Mountain Laurel is in full bloom in Massachusetts this week.Cup-shaped buds open up to display tiny blossoms. These blossoms are sometimes said to look like miniature origami rice bowls .Each blossom has five fused petals that surround ten stamens. Each stamen looks like a tiny half-pulled stitch.The leaves are evergreen, providing year-round interest to the New England landscape.The purple tones of a nearby rhododendron contrast with the pinkish laurel blossoms.Mountain Laurels usually live for fifty to seventy-five years. Happily, this laurel in my yard is at least seventy years old, and is still going strong.
This photo blog features the seasonal changes in nature observed in my own backyard and a variety of local environments. The Wachusett Meadow Audubon Sanctuary in Princeton, MA is often highlighted as a model for the positive effects a small nature preserve can have on the larger environment and the local community. Local sites of historical, cultural and recreational interest are spotlighted as well.
All photographs were taken by me. Thank you so much for visiting.
Thanks, Tanja. I love how easy care both shrubs are. Just now, the day lilies are getting ready to blossom, which I always look forward to. Like the laurel and lilac, they are easy care and beautiful. Where would we be without nature, I wonder?🌲🍁🌈🌺⛅🌸🌼
How wonderful to have something different bloom at different times, this way summer will always bring some precious presents.
Now that I appreciate nature so much, I can’t imagine a life without it!
Thank you. Laurels are right up there with my favorite bushes. I didn’t know this while writing the blog, but have recently learned that Native Americans called laurel “spoonwood” because they would carve spoons out of the beautiful wood. That gets my imagination going!
From My Window 
Stunning, Julie. No wonder laurel and lilac are your favorite shrubs.
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Thanks, Tanja. I love how easy care both shrubs are. Just now, the day lilies are getting ready to blossom, which I always look forward to. Like the laurel and lilac, they are easy care and beautiful. Where would we be without nature, I wonder?🌲🍁🌈🌺⛅🌸🌼
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How wonderful to have something different bloom at different times, this way summer will always bring some precious presents.
Now that I appreciate nature so much, I can’t imagine a life without it!
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I have never seen Mountain Laurel in such profusion and beauty. Thank you!
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My pleasure! I think laurel often gets overlooked, as it blooms at the same time as the more flamboyant rhodes.
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Your photos really capture the exquisite beauty of these lovely flowers, which I had not come across before.
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Thank you. Laurels are right up there with my favorite bushes. I didn’t know this while writing the blog, but have recently learned that Native Americans called laurel “spoonwood” because they would carve spoons out of the beautiful wood. That gets my imagination going!
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That is interesting – carved spoons can really show off the beauty of the wood grain.
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Laurels are beautiful! Thanking for sharing the photos!
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You are so welcome. Thanks for visiting!
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