Here’s the thing about apples: they must have cross pollination to set fruit. And even if there is another apple tree nearby, if the bees aren’t out doing their thing, you may have to help nature along. Here in Seattle where sunshine is an occasional thing (“sun breaks,” anyone?) it will definitely increase your harvest to get out there and help.

How? Take a clean, dry, soft artist’s paintbrush, or even a Q-tip, and brush the pollen carefully on a bunch of flowers on Tree A. Then go to Tree B (a different apple variety) and brush some more. Back and forth a few times should do it. Of course for a big tree, you can only do so much, but for dwarf backyard trees, you will make a huge difference.

We have two trees of the “columnar” type. They’re a super skinny, super dwarf size, good in containers, and both can be hand pollinated in just a few minutes. Go back in a few days when more blossoms have opened and do it again. You’ll be glad you did.

Visit Today’s Flowers for more sweet flower photos.

These were taken by my sister when we visited the tulip festival last week. I think hers are pretty wonderful. I wish I took that top one!

Please visit Macro Flowers Saturday, Color Carnival, Pink Saturday, Shadow Shot Sunday and Scenic Sunday after your visit here.

Remember, you can always click on Sara’s Fave Photos above to return to the full blog with my latest post on top.

This one below is of me.

Yet another view from the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. For more skies seen round the world, visit Skywatch Friday. And try Scenic Sunday for more scenery, what else?

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This person was one of a jillion photographers entranced, as I was, at the incredible displays of flowers. Roozengaarden is just one of the paid tulip gardens in the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. This year we paid their $4 admission, what the heck, but it was so worth it. Mind boggling.

Visit Thursday Challenge for more Green-themed photos (or Plants, Spring Growth, Gardens, Clothing, Green Things…). Color Carnival has more amazingly brilliant color.

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Before the main event at the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, even the roadside produce stand got into the act with these potted tulips, harbingers of tulip ecstasy to come.

Visit Macro Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday for more close ups and yellow splashes of cheerfulness. And Blue Monday covers the other third of the color wheel for us! Color Carnival has more brilliant color, of course. Ruby Tuesday has lots of red, red, red for you.

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I went to the tulip fields on Friday and it was just magnificent. Words fail me. Look for lots of tulip photos in the next while.

For more flowers around the world, visit Today’s Flowers.,  Color Carnival for more brilliant color. And try Scenic Sunday, too.

I was at the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle last week, and I thought I’d show you a photo of the marvellous planting of spring flowers outside. Those purple hyacinths just thrill me. Definitely drop by if you are in the area. And it’s free!

Check out Color Carnival for more brilliant colors.

To return to the full blog with my latest post on top, click on Sara’s Fave Photos above.

Still in a rose mood, longing for warm, sunny weather. This is my favorite rose, Double Delight. I read that it was a sport and almost not pursued. The petals get stronger color in more intense sunlight. This is one of the ones I planted last summer. The 18 bushes are leafing out well, but it’s just too rainy to get a photo to show you right now. I do have high hopes for later in the year.

Visit Mellow Yellow Monday for more cheerful splashes of yellow, and Ruby Tuesday for more ruby redness. Color Carnival has the brilliant color combos. Try them all! Click on Sara’s Fave Photos above to return to the full blog with my latest post on top.

The bags of tulip bulbs we planted around the front roses in the fall are up, and the first one has opened! See Macro Monday and Mellow Yellow Monday for versions of the theme.

And the delightful grape hyacinths (muscari) in the back yard are coming up so well. This is their second year and they are quite respectable looking. I love how easy they are, that they spread nicely, and that they are practically evergreen and leaf up super early. Visit Blue Monday for more blue things.

And check out Color Carnival for more brilliant colors! And I like this post so much I’ve tagged it Best Post of the Week.

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Here’s some spring pinkness for you. The upside of a traffic delay! I rolled down the window and took a couple of perfect spring photos.

Visit Pink Saturday for more pink of all kinds, and Blooming Friday more more flowers blooming.

In honor my my second blogoversary, I’m adding some extra pinkness for you today below that photo, both taken recently. Thank you all for your visits and comments, past, present and future.

Visit Today’s Flowers for more beautiful florals.