Conifers, Yogh, and the Overachieving Family of Christian IX

Crabapple blossoms spread their five white petals widely to the sun. Below them, fresh green leaves surround clusters of pink buds.

Now that the kōwhai has done its dash, the nearby crabapple has taken on the mantle of Plant Disappearing Under Its Own Flowers. I could claim that this was a cleverly planned succession arrangement, but for one thing, it wouldn’t be honest; and for another, who can really organize a succession of blooming in these days of climatic uncertainty? This same crabapple also bloomed while ripening its fruit last autumn. The one surviving apple from the autumn bloom is now looking rather shrivelled and sad, after having the tree to itself all winter.

Interesting Times

You may have met some overachieving families in your time, but it’s hard to beat the family of King Christian IX of Denmark. Taking his six children in order:

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