Redbud, cercis canadensis, in full bloom; as seen through the two old Japanese maples.  Trees from three continents in this picture, actually: Japanese Maples from Asia, Redbud from North America, background of Norway Spruce from Europe.

The Redbud from the other side.  This photo was taken a few years ago, there are now several props under it.  However, currently the porch furniture is all over the lawn due to the painting, so no current pictures.  Imagine that whole thing just humming with bees though!

Showing all three of the east lawn redbuds, and the river birch; the very light green tree in the background is actually a sugar maple in full bloom.  This was taken last year, and all the sugar maples bloomed like mad.  The very tall, dark conifers are Norways, the one conifer you can see the top of is a forty year old Douglas Fir…