Purple Azaleas at the Post Office

Astoria, Oregon ~ March 18, 2011

Last year I posted this photo of the same bush in full flower on February 28th! I've been watching it this year, and the blossoms only came out in the last few days. I seem to remember that last year was filled with flowers and they were out early. This is just the beginning. Soon Astoria will be filled with flowers again.

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Azaleas in November

Astoria, Oregon ~ November 10, 2010

I thought I'd post something pretty after yesterday's disaster and the big hole on Tuesday. I noticed these azaleas compellingly in bloom just as I was leaving town. I didn't get a chance to poke around and see how many other plants were in bloom around Astoria, although I saw a mint plant with a couple of small purple flowers, and I noticed that some nearby twigs had bright green buds on them. I didn't know azaleas had two seasons, so I looked it up onilne.

Apparently, if it's first been cold and then warms up, the buds that have already formed in anticipation of spring will sometimes open. It was unseasonably cold for days and days on end at the beginning of November. I can't remember, but it may have started in October. Then, yes, it warmed up for awhile.

My question is, what happens to next year? Does the plant form a second set of buds? I certainly hope so, because I'll be unhappy if spring comes and the azaleas are all bloomed out from November.

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Red, Red, Red, White and Blue

April 30, 2010

Back of the U.S. Post Office

The rhododendrons are opening up all over town. They grow wonderfully here, and can be seen along the downtown streets and in peoples' yards along with azaleas, which also flourish. There are a lot of things I'm noticing this year because I'm taking photos and writing about them. Other people knew that the azaleas come out first, and the rhodies follow soon after, and I'm learning about it this year.

This big rhododendron bush marks the rear corner of the post office with a matching bush on the other side. On the left by the steps is a red azalea plant. To the left, but out of the photo are dark pink and also white ones. The really big rhododendrons - practically trees - are at the front corners of the post office, and I can't wait to see what they look like when the buds finally open. I'll let you know! As I said yesterday, I'm posting a few days in advance, so if the bushes are already blooming when you read this, please be patient for a few more days!

By the way, I've been waiting for an excuse to show this corner on 7th Street, because I like the yellow grille in the side of the building.

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Salmon-colored Azaleas in the Rain

April 20, 2010

I remember how much I enjoyed seeing and photographing this unusual azalea bush last year when it flowered. It was just before I started Astoria, Oregon, Daily Photo, and the picture didn't make it into the blog. I don't know of another azalea plant of this color locally, but there may be one. The intersection you see is Harrison and 11th. We're looking west, heading down Harrison, then up again on the other side of 11th Street. I've shown this intersection a couple of times before. Once from the other side (also from Harrison Street), and once from almost this same spot, but with snow on the streets.

Like some of the trees and bushes in town, this one has pretty green lichens on the branches.

As you can see, it's another wet day. The flowers are a perfect color for a town famous for salmon fishing. Do you agree?

Are these buds opening or closing? I hope they're opening.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Spring Flowers Come to Astoria

This azalea bush at the bottom of the wheelchair ramp at the Post Office is one of my favorites - maybe because of the wonderful purple color, and because I pass it nearly every day. Soon the rhododendron behind it will also be in bloom. Azaleas and rhodies turn Astoria into a flowery paradise every spring. I've wanted to take a photo for the past few days, but each time I've been there, the rain has been coming down.

Here you can see the evidence of recent rain. I had the lighting set wrong on the second photo, then tried to correct the color, but the photo doesn't do justice to the image. I'll try again when I have more patience :)

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.