When I write about nature, I sometimes go to my archives and search for what phenomena I am thinking about. I was looking at my previous posts on blossom and saw that I last wrote about the topic on the 5th of April, 2025. I started my post with “One of my favourite times of the year is when trees blossom.” These words are as true today as they were when I first wrote them. I am always glad when I write about nature; I can save a moment for future James to read. The seasons are reflected in the dates in my archive.

The tips of the branches on the trees outside my flat are starting to turn pink. Soon there will be blossom! My excitement to see the first pink leaves emerge from the buds grows with every passing day. It may still be a few weeks before the tree fully blossoms; Nature sets its own pace. Nevertheless, like the anticipation that comes from knowing the scent of coffee in the morning means you will soon drink coffee, the changing colour of the trees from winter to spring means that, soon, the trees will be full of blossom leaves.

Some trees have already started to blossom. I noticed a tree with white blossom while idly gazing through the bus window this weekend; the moment made me smile. On a walk last week I stopped to look up close at a tree and study the colour, eager to see if any petals have yet emerged.

I find myself thinking about the trees I know that have pink blossom – those in my neighbourhood, and those in the city – as well as those that are a surprise and a delight to see. I could draw a map of several blossom trees I know; namely, those that I study every year: the ones I keep coming back to because they are close or in a place steeped with meaning and memory.

Blossom is a magnet in spring: the colour, the meaning, the rhythm all call out in Nature’s silent tone. Spring is almost here. Then, with time: Spring is here.