Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Spring FINALLY Comes to Maine


This was a long winter, even by Maine standards. Spring comes late this far north. Late March through April is Mud Season. In May the grass turns green overnight and everything starts blooming all at once. We hit 79F degrees on Sunday, which was the best Mother's Day gift. A walk at Popham Beach was in order (saving those photos for another week.) It was so nice to be welcomed home to wild violets in the garden and cut roses from my family. The azaleas are budding too.


The first to bloom in our White Pine shaded yard is always the forsythia, but usually that happens in late April, not May. There were fewer buds and the rhodies are half dead due to the unusually harsh and snowy winter, I believe. Any advice on how to resuscitate browning rhodies?


Daffodils are floral sunshine.


The magnolias in Bowdoin College's quad are at peak bloom. Can those be new leaves on the trees?


Soon the wildflowers in our woods will burst into bloom. Only Scout is missing the snow. Happy Spring!

Follow this link for more Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day posts.

Next week I'll be on Monhegan Island for a solitary writing and art retreat, researching my WIP.
Next post Wednesday May 28th.

Vacation Question: after several years off, the car ferry is running again from Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. My husband and I are planning a week long anniversary trip this summer, bringing the car. Any tips on where to stay and what to see?

18 comments:

A Cuban In London said...

Breath-taking photos. It was worht the wait, methinks. Thanks.

Greetings from London.

Gloria Baker said...

Just beautiful Sarah!

tina said...

Yeah for spring! On the rhodies I don't think I'd worry too much. Just give it a month or two to see what exactly is damaged (what doesn't leaf out) then trim those spots out. Rhodies are tough and have been around for a long time in Maine in far worse winters. They'll bounce back nicely just like all the rest. Beautiful magnolias!

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Sarah,

A late but, surely, all the more welcome Spring. The new growth everywhere is such a joy!

Here Spring has been and gone and winter has reappeared. Let us hope that your Spring will be there to stay!

Rhododendrons are tough. Wait and see. They will just be waiting in the wings!

Haddock said...

Scout has discovered something interesting.

Donna said...

Yes, after such a long harsh winter, spring is especially welcome this year. Our magnolia trees didn't bloom nearly as nicely this year because of the long cold winter and spring. Bowdoin's look much better!

cynthia newberry martin said...

Love the pink magnolias! Enjoy your retreat : )

Cat said...

Maine wears spring well! I know you will enjoy every moment. We are quickly heading into summer here :/

troutbirder said...

Oh my! What gorgeous spring blooms. And a handsome Golden to go with them....:)

Rose said...

Good to see that spring has finally arrived in Maine! I love seeing the daffodils--mine have long since faded--and the magnolias are gorgeous. The winter was so hard on so many plants; a friend and I were commenting just the other day that we didn't notice any forsythia blooming this year--I think it got hit by the late frost and snow.

Sophie sympathizes with Scout--she'd much rather play in snow than endure days in the 80's and above:)

☆sapphire said...

Glad to hear that spring has finally come!! The pink magnolia photo is really amazing. It is so beautiful. I love the colors, particularly of the flowers and the blue sky with white clouds!

Elizabeth Musgrave said...

It is fascinating to see how spring comes all at once where you live, as opposed to the gentle, drawn out way we live spring here in Wales.

Amanda Summer said...

Daffs are floral sunshine - beautiful simile.

I've never been to Nova Scotia but would love to travel there someday - I'll look forward to reading any travel tips your readers might provide.

khaki said...

Yea!!!!!! Spring has sprung for you!!!! Beautiful shot of the magnolias. Look at Scout! How fast they grow…. Cooper is 8 months and 75 pounds….. growing like a weed.

flowersandhome said...

Beautiful spring blooms!

Margie said...

Spring looks beautiful.
Love the shot of your Golden!

Carol said...

Happy Spring Sarah! A bit late but I imagine the fresh green is still with you there in Maine. Lovely spring details and my how Scout has grown! I hope you are having a wonderful and productive writing retreat. Carol

Jenn Jilks said...

Yes hooray spring!