We can all agree that the sound of spring in Georgia isn’t birds singing or mowers humming. Instead, the sound of Spring is the sniffle. With that sound, however, comes the welcome sights of blossoms.
Tulips
We’re entering prime blooming season (you may have noticed the pollen film on your vehicle), and thanks to Melodie McDanal, a Pike Nurseries GGIA professional, I have all the information you need to know about what’s blossoming in Georgia. McDanal says south Georgia is on the cusp of prime blooming season, which will shortly be followed by the Piedmont region of the state then the northern reaches.
Yoshino Cherry Tree
The key signals that spring has arrived are the bright pinks of the Yoshino Cherry trees. At the same time, watch for Witchhazel, Edgeworthia, Daphne, Daffodils, Crocus and Hyacinth. The next set of spring blooms are Okame Cherries, Crabapples, Quince, Forsythia and Tulip Magnolias. Blossoming times vary year to year. Did you notice the streak of cold weather Georgia had this winter? “We warmed up early, but now we have had an extended period of cold weather later in the season,” McDanal explains. “This has caused many plants to bloom later. For example, Forsythia blooms many years around the second to third week in February, and it is just now starting to bloom in the second week of March this year.”
When can you expect your allergies to kick into high gear? Keep your eye out for the rising pollen count numbers on your local news broadcast, or visit http://www.atlantaallergy.com/pollencount.aspx for information that is updated daily.
Trying to identify a blossom or bloom you found in Georgia? Visit http://www.pikenursery.com/ where you can use the Plant Finder to search for plants by type, flower or foliage color, size or sun exposure.
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull is a digital marketing professional based in Atlanta who first visited Georgia in 1994 and decided that when she graduated from college she would make Georgia her home. Since 2007 that dream has been a reality. She is the founder and executive director of Occupy My Family.
