Early Spring has a subdued appearance this year. That shrubs and small trees along the creek suffered freeze damage is no surprise – that many of the native varieties appear to have weathered the storm is reassuring (thanks to Mitch Deshotels for this photo).Redbuds are now flowering, and Mexican Plum trees, while delayed, appear to be producing healthy numbers of blooms. Tiny buds are visible on several Eve’s Necklace trees along the greenbelt. Live Oaks everywhere in Dallas have lost leaves, but some arborists note that they may recover.
Non-native shrubs such as wax leaf ligustrum may not recover fully. Since they tend to shade or crowd out natives, this may be a positive development in the long run. That many of these same shrubs provided food for an irruption of Robins during the freeze is evidence of the complexity of our natural environment.
An avian irruption refers to the sudden appearance of unusually large numbers of a species, possibly due to a surge in population following an unusually abundant food crop in their breeding habitat; or to their appearance in locales where they normally do not appear. Thanks to neighbor Heather for pointing this out.
With best wishes to all on restoration of home landscapes and gardens, one can also find along the creek a springtime just starting to arrive.
Vince Punaro, Creek Committee
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