Flowers on the “British Columbia” apple tree.

On April 22nd, the first of the apple trees came into bloom — the two Gravenstein trees, closely followed by the Tompkins King Tree. By May 3rd, all of the trees were in flower, with our mystery tree — dubbed “British Columbia” by my great-grandfather, being the last to bloom.

Yellow Gravenstein Buds Opening

The earliest of the trees are winding down their amorous splendor, and the honeybees have been busy giving each tree its due. For the moment, every tree is dressed in white (sometimes edged with rosy pink) and glowing in the May sun. The apple trees’ close relative, Hawthorn, has opened its flowers as well and is blanketed in tiny white flowers that the bees may love even more than the apples or other fruit trees.

Flowers on the Tompkins King Tree

Flowers on the “British Columbia” apple tree.

On April 22nd, the first of the apple trees came into bloom — the two Gravenstein trees, closely followed by the Tompkins King Tree. By May 3rd, all of the trees were in flower, with our mystery tree — dubbed “British Columbia” by my great-grandfather, being the last to bloom.

Yellow Gravenstein Buds Opening

The earliest of the trees are winding down their amorous splendor, and the honeybees have been busy giving each tree its due. For the moment, every tree is dressed in white (sometimes edged with rosy pink) and glowing in the May sun. The apple trees’ close relative, Hawthorn, has opened its flowers as well and is blanketed in tiny white flowers that the bees may love even more than the apples or other fruit trees.

Flowers on the Tompkins King Tree