Not too far away from where I live, there is a 100-acre arboretum that I often visit. It is home to many specimen trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, songbirds, waterfowls and small forest mammals. Nestled in a quiet residential area, this place is truly a hidden gem. This past Sunday was one of the warmest days since winter, with clear blue skies and temperatures that reached as high as 23°C. There could not have been a better day to photograph nature and sun bathe in this urban oasis.

As I started out my adventure down the familiar paths, the warbling birds were greeting me from the treetops and the soft wind was brushing against my cheeks. It was an escape that I needed. An escape into reality. My goal of the day was to capture some beautiful scenes of spring with a new set of camera lens that I have been experimenting with, I did not have a specific subject in mind—just whatever that caught my eye or brought me joy. There were many joyful moments worth sharing with my dearest readers, here we go.

1. Willow catkins

Pussy willow is a very common tree in my neighborhood and throughout North America. While it looks graceful all year round with its long and flowy branches, I find it to be the most spectacular looking in spring with its explosion of flowering catkins. If you have never heard of the term catkin, I would describe its appearance as an elliptical fluff ball with feathery spikes supercharged with yellow pollen. You may have seen willow branches with silvery buds that are used in flower arrangements, those hairy looking nodes when in bloom would turn into a catkin. There are male and female catkins. The male catkins produce pollens and the female catkins have ovules that receive the pollens. Interestingly, some willow trees such as those in the Salix genus are dioecious, meaning male and female catkins appear on separate trees. Most catkins are not long-lived and may last for only days in spring. I was delighted that I captured the below shots on two separate days and from two different trees.

2. Siberian squill

Aren’t these tiny blue flowers fairytale like? Not too far from the willow trees, there was a patch of them on the ground. Based on an image search, these are Siberian squill (Scilla siberica). Though often labeled invasive for its vigorous spread and resilience, I can’t help but admire this wildflower. It is a hardy bloom with undeniable ornamental beauty. There is a great article on this plant from the Carleton College linked here.

3. Daffodils

A large field of trumpet daffodils is in full bloom at the arboretum. It is quite a spectacular sight. Here are a couple of close-up shots. I also have some growing in my own backyard. They have returned cheerfully after a long winter. Mine, as I recently learned, is the Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’, with bright yellow petals and a matching yellow trumpet. In contrast, the variety shown here has a lemon-yellow center and white petals. It is called Narcissus ‘Holland Sensation’.

4. Trout lilies

5. Lichens on tree trunks

I find lichen be a really beautiful organism. Look at all those organic patterns. The result of the symbiotic partnership between an alga and a fugus. The fungus provides structure and protection, while the alga produces food through photosynthesis. Together, they form something entirely new—resilient, self-sufficient, and quietly thriving in places most life wouldn’t dare to set foot.

I hope you enjoy this post that featured moments from my recent spring walk. Until next time, get outside and embrace what nature has to offer ❤️.