A pair of buds…or perhaps really 2 pairs of buds…greeted me on a bright and breezy day last week. As I went out the back door of my building I noticed a bush…now sprouting buds everywhere on its spindly branches. I have no idea what name this bush goes by, but no matter. And for some reason I’m now reminded of that old Pac Man video game…however I digress.
I gratefully welcome yet another sign of Spring.
BeckyB’s BrightSquare Challenge
In my part of the world Spring arrives in 19 days. I don’t know about you, but I’m (very) impatiently waiting for the change of seasons…more so this year than in the past. I am excited for buds and blossoms…and color!
I searched the archives and found this shot from last April…which, in the meantime, will have to suffice.
Sunshine’s Macro Monday #34
~~~
Brave souls go out on a limb before the last snow falls.
As winter marches into spring.
Inspired by Lens-Artists Challenge #72: Waiting
~~~
Over 20 years ago I received a Christmas cactus as a gift. I was encouraged by the fact that cactus plants have a reputation for survival.
In other words, it would be hard for me to kill it. As I often did with houseplants – unintentionally – much to my continuing dismay.
I think it flowered that first year, but rarely did it bloom as advertised…supposedly at Christmas time. So there it sat on a living room shelf…near the window…or away from the window…for years. I pruned it. Or I didn’t. No matter what I tried, my cactus remained…well…green. Dusting the branches didn’t help either.
But thankfully it stayed alive. For the most part.
When we moved several years ago, it mysteriously started showing signs of color and bloomed gloriously at our temporary beach rental that November. I thought the placement by a sunny window made it happen. Or perhaps it was waiting for us to downsize. I’ll never know for sure.
This October, I pruned my aging cactus and pumped it full of plant food at its spot by a sunny window. And I waited.
Nothing.
Waited some more.
Until one day I noticed buds…sprouting on the tips of almost every branch.
My visiting grandson was dutifully impressed (as only a 3 year old can be) when I announced: LOOK! Buds! They will turn into flowers! This is so exciting!
Another week passed.
I watched and waited. Carefully watered. Not too much. Not too little (just guessing at how much “enough” really was)…
Then, last weekend I noticed an explosion of sorts from one of the buds.
Waited another day.
And finally today…two days later…
A complete flower…
…with more to come.
Definitely worth the wait!
one letter UP ~ diary 2.0 