Cottonwood Catkins
There were no cottonwood trees growing here when we moved here in 2011. We had some of what we thought were sycamore trees in pots and planted them. Both turned out to be cottonwood. They’ve grown very quickly. This pic was taken on 032925, where the catkins are out. Some people don’t like them because of their cottony snow, but I don’t mind it. They are beautiful trees and look at the catkins!
Cosmos
This pic was taken in August of last year. Some years back I borrowed a packet of sulfur cosmos from the library seed bank. The concept is to grow the plants and donate some seeds back to the library from the plants. I’ve been donating cosmos and other seeds back to the library for the past few years and plan on continuing the practice.
nature finds a path
to continue on its way
using human help
How do you feel about trees? What’s your favorite flower — and why?
Tao Talk 
Cottonwood’s can be nice to look at but they are a lifelong enemy. One of several triggers for my Asthma and allergies!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no on the ashthma and allergies. I do know they sprout up everywhere so I have to keep them under control.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A library seed bank is a great idea!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is and it’s a perfect place to donate (heirloom only) seeds from packets if you don’t use them all.
LikeLike
We don’t see cottonwood trees here but cosmos are quite common.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cosmos and marigolds are 2 of the easiest annuals to grow. They can take care of themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true and they self- seed so come out next season too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t wait to see if the cosmos come out this year without me seeding them again. There are other plants in the planter I can already see (columbine and arnica.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
It gives us a huge rush of joy to have flowers coming out in spring
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous photos! It’s stormy and gray here so this post brightened my day.
– Allison
https://lightningflashwriting.blogspot.com/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to hear it, Allison!
LikeLike
Birch and Weeping Willow are my two favorite trees. Flowers, I love them all, even the weeds with flowers. Well, except tulips. For some reason, I don’t like tulips!
Donna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donna there are plenty of Birch and Weeping Willow around here also. I also love all flowers, and dandelions are the first to make an appearance here. The bees love them and I always wait until they’re done blooming to mow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our yard is filled with dandelions and wild violets. So pretty but hubby just headed out for the first mowing. LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe you can distract him? ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
p.s. I just read your post and left a comment. It disappeared so hope you get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Strange…I got the email and it’s showing for me. A glitch maybe? My hosting company seems to be having some server issues today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
WP sometimes is to blame also. Glad you got it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, what a great thing for your library to have! I wish we had that here. Right now I’m enjoying one of my favorite flowers: daffodils.
https://nydamprintsblackandwhite.blogspot.com/2025/03/c-is-for-cooperation.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is. And recently a 2nd branch of our district library started one. Daffodils are such wonderful heralders of spring. I don’t have them, but I look for dandelions (which are nowhere in sight yet!)
LikeLike
You taught me a great word. I didn’t know that cottonwood grew “catkins.” They look like little tails.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool. There are willow catkins also, out back, but not as pretty as these. Yes, they do look like tails, never looked at them that way before.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like those catkins too. I say, the more trees the better. The more kinds the better.
I like hydrangeas a lot. Actually, too many flowers to name–I can’t think of any I don’t like. (K)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Incredible photos, Lisa. I love the Cosmos, and what a wonderful idea about donating seeds back to the library. Happy Thursday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Brenda. Every library should have one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s easy to forget that trees are flowering plants – we early on learn to categorise things, flowers, trees, vegetables etc. When I first moved to this village, and in my first blog (the blogsite is sadly no more) whilst walking my stepson’s dog, I took photos of all the tree flowers rond about – one of my favourite flowers is that of the Horse Chestnut tree!
Love your Celtic knotwork capitals, Li…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry you lost blog contents. When deja newsgroups announced they were ending, one of the original members of tao-talk was able to archive the data and “move the capitol” to yahoo groups. When yahoo groups announced they were ending, they allowed a request for archives. I did that and so have the archives from the beginning.
I’ve seen chestnuts for sale in the store and I know they are roasted around the holidays, but I’ve never seen the tree or its flowers.
Thanks on the Celtic colorings!
LikeLike
I did manage to download posts and comments but the file is so large its dificult to workk with…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hear you on that, Andrew. I tried to pull it apart once and gave up. Maybe one day AI can actually do a job where it is appreciated ;)
LikeLike
My dog and I agree — flowering cherry and weeping willows. Actually, she prefers the shade of the willows, but chews on the branches of the cherry. :-D
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s neat. What kind of dog is she (sorry if I have already asked you before) and what is her name? My Chaun used to love chewing on twigs and branches.
LikeLike
Her name is Daisie , and she’s an Australian Shepherd. A real cutie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awwww what a cutie.
LikeLike
Thanks- she’s the apple of my eye. :-D
LikeLiked by 1 person
<3 Did you name her after the song Daisy?
LikeLike
No — when she arrived, I took one look at her and knew she was a Daisie. Daisie Doggie. :-D
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLike
I love cosmos flowers. But, my very favourite ones are Zinnias. I love the one with many layers of petals and pastel colours. And, as with trees, I have a whole blog about them haha so I guess that tells what I feel about them.. lovely post, Lisa. It was a pleasant read.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fatima, I like zinnias also but haven’t planted them in a long time. So happy you are a friend to trees. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Point me toward your blog about zinnias. I love them and have some in bloom right now in my greenhouse, waiting until it’s warm enough to put them out into the garden beds.
LikeLiked by 2 people