As the earth tilts toward the sun, spring’s carefully choreographed lineup continues, introducing beloved recurring players every day.  The second wave of cherry trees has peaked.  Sidewalks and lawns below are transformed into pink carpets. 

Our redbud’s bright pink flowers are beginning to be edged out by the first of the tree’s yellow-green, heart-shaped leaves. 

The mulch around the base of the tree is now pleasantly pink.  Periwinkle vines, hearty and fast-growing, seem to pop up overnight.

Fluttery yellow blossoms decorate the small sassafras tree by my daughter’s rope swing.  Their lemony fragrance floats in the breeze. 

Dogwood blossoms, like white lace against a dark green ground.

Tulips, favorites of the deer, are rare in our neighborhood.  They flourish in a few center-of-town spots. 

Our Japanese Maples, so recently bare, wear spiky clouds of brilliant, luminous red. 

Azaleas, that staple of the Southern spring garden, are nearing their peak. 

Rhododendron, up next. More spring favorites are waiting in the wings.