Parade of Cherries

Typical spring weather here, with rain showers punctuated by sun breaks. Bainbridge Island is a spring garden wonderland. We have a raking view along the south shoreline of Eagle Harbor, and every day the distant vistas feature new bright spots which are one or another type of cherry tree come into bloom.
Early on in my study of horticulture, I learned that there is a parade of cherries in the spring. The earliest, which include some plums and prune trees, flower in February or earlier, and the last well into May. Each variety has its own distinct kind of showiness, it's particular color and arrangement of bloom and tree shape. When I was responsible for my own and my clients' gardens, I almost dreaded the quick passage of spring, since it meant more work than could possibly be accomplished. Now spring is entirely welcome, and the blooming of each successive cherry species is a new delight.