Stop and Smell the Viburnum

Freelancing is taking up a lot of my time lately and sometimes involves topics I would have otherwise written up for the blog.

Here’s one thing I would like to share with Plaintalkers readers: May baskets.

When my daughter was little, we made May baskets to hang on neighbors’ doorknobs. Usually they were small containers for spring wild flowers, maybe a paper doily folded into a cone with a ribbon handle. Spring Beauty, purple and white violets, grape hyacinths, pinks and small sprigs from flowering shrubs made up the tiny bouquets that were meant to be a pleasant surprise on the first morning in May.

Here is more information on May baskets. And here is a truly spectacular set of May baskets.

My daughter lives in Seattle, so I will have to send her a virtual May basket.

If you’re not into such nostalgia, a stroll through Cedar Brook Park is a good way to enjoy the season. Small drifts of blue speedwell, white and pink Spring Beauty and patches of glossy yellow buttercups are in bloom.

Outside 606 Crescent, there are some viburnums that waft a heavenly scent at this time of year. And all over the city, flowering pear, almond and cherry trees are sending drifts of petals into the air. Take time to enjoy spring!