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.
I live in Central Massachusetts in the United States--a wonderful area for nature, art and culture. Using a compact camera, I celebrate daily life found here in a variety of local landscapes throughout the changing seasons.
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!
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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