Springtime in the Chicagoland area seemed to be taking its time for arrival this year (2018). I tend to hibernate during the winter and find the advancement of spring to be a welcomed sign that it is time to re-experience the joy and beauty of the outdoors.
Although the growing season for early springtime flowers and trees was a bit delayed, a full spectrum of delights were waiting for me at parks, forest preserves and gardens. Some flowering plants only have a short bloom season. One could miss out on the best floral displays of nature if not vigilant enough to keep visiting sites regularly. I know that magnolias, lilacs and other early bloomers can have a narrow window of time where they are showing off their floral colors. A magnificent magnolia tree display on one day could look quite different after a heavy rainstorm the next day. I’ve learned the importance of knowing when the blooming season is and checking as frequently as possible for the best displays.
And so, my emergence from hibernation was a relative success this year. I did manage to capture some magnolias in full bloom and luckily came across some late bloom tulips. I’m pleased that I caught the beginning of lilac season, which I missed last year. Also, I found myself walking down a botanic garden pathway lined with crabapple trees and, for some reason, opted to just enjoy the scenery instead of technically analyzing the best way to photograph them.