More signs of Spring

Springtime is a wondrous time.  A time with new growth on trees and shrubs that pop in bright green color as contrasted against the dull, dark green leaves of summer.  It's as if all of nature is rejoicing to come out of the dormancy of winter.  I got outside yesterday and took some photos as evidence that it is Spring.

I count 15 baby navel oranges in this shot alone.  There's no way the branch would be able to support the weight of all those.  I assume the tree sheds the fruit it can't handle.


Our Navel Orange tree absolutely loaded with baby oranges

Pecan trees are often the very last tree to set its leaves.  Many of the old-timers won't plant a garden prior to seeing buds on the pecan trees, saying that until the pecan trees leaf out, frosts are likely.  I'm not sure of the truth behind that, but it seems to be some good, cautious advice.


Pecan tees leafing out and tasseling

Here are some baby peaches on our peach trees.  It is incredible how fast these grow.  Just a few days ago they were purplish-pink flowers.  Now they are bubblegum-ball sized fruit.

Young peaches

Here is another variety of azalea that is currently blooming in our flowerbeds.  The color sort of reminds me of watermelon.  And that reminds me that as soon as the rainfall diminishes, I need to plant my watermelons and other melon varieties.


Pretty watermelon colored azaleas

The yellow iris that we planted as a hedge against the neighbor's fence is blooming beautifully right now.  I had to actually go onto the neighbor's property to get this picture as Nellie, the nanny goat, has determined that she enjoys the taste of the lilies and has eaten everything that was within reach of the fence!  Whoa Nellie!!

Beautiful Yellow Iris

Speaking of Nellie, plants aren't the only thing experiencing new growth right now.  Nellie's little kid, Annie is growing by leaps and bounds.  She loves to jump around and play, chasing the chickens around the barnyard.

Annie playing while mama Nellie keeping a watchful eye

Here's a better picture of the two of them, with looming storm clouds on the horizon.  They are about to go into the big stall in the barn where they bed down for the night.  Protective Nellie chases the roosters out of the stall first and it's kinda funny to watch.


Nellie & Annie

And there is additional growth occurring in Daisy's big belly.  Daisy is due to calve in early May.  She's really getting a wide girth and she's starting to walk real slow and waddle a bit.  We're excited for her to calve.  We're hoping for a heifer this time.  Daisy has given us two bull calves.  It is time for a heifer.


Wide load

Spring is a very exciting time on the farm.  A time filled with new life.  It is also a busy time.  If you put in hard work in the Spring, you'll reap the benefits (literally) in the Summer.