Spring at Mountain View

The San Francisco Bay Area is absolutely beautiful in the spring, especially after some rain. We have had a few downpours of rain in the last month – not enough to build up the snow pack in the mountains, or to end the drought, but enough for the plants in our Mediterranean climate to spring into action. The hills green up, and the plants blossom or leaf out as part of their life cycles.

I recently visited the Mountain View Cemetery to follow up on a few plants that I wanted to see in the spring. The cemetery is known for its massive tulip displays. How impressive to see the bright yellow and red tulips (and what a challenge for the gardeners, because the deer love tulip blossoms)!

Tulips in full bloom at Mountain View Cemetery

I also wanted to see the pergola that is covered in wisteria. Just as I hoped, the wisteria was in full bloom and active with bees. The pergola always offers deep shade, but this visit it was all the better with its fragrant purple blossoms.

Pergola dripping with Wisteria

Finally, I saw the Dawn Redwood, a deciduous tree, all leafed out for spring. What a treat to see the tender green leaves glimmering in the sunlight (I have also seen this tree after its leaves have turned to reddish brown in the fall).

Dawn Redwood with tender green laves