Aaah....Jacaranda!

The SDP staff received a request for a jacaranda post from our favorite Miamian turned (temporary) Texan.  How could we deny such a request?  Voila!  I don't know if it's due to the unusually warm weather, but this year the jacaranda flowers seem to be blooming early. 

Typically, I see jacaranda trees in their  full spectacular lavender bloom in mid-May.  But, already, I've spotted trees that are one-third in bloom or one-fourth etc. Nevertheless, what's in bloom is gorgeous.  Spring has definitely arrived in Sarasota when the pendulous blooms of the jacaranda tree arrive.  Perhaps there will be a second round of  blooms next month!

Petal Path

You don't have to look too far right now to find fallen Jacaranda blooms.  Under some especially large trees, the sidewalk below is almost transformed into a lavender carpet.   In about a week or so, all these flowers will be gone.  Then, we'll have to wait until mid-May next year to see these spectacular bursts of color once again. 

Spring Splendor

Every spring I look forward to seeing the jacaranda trees in bloom -- the lavender petals give the skyline a wonderful infusion of color.  I spotted this tree on my way to work and made a point to capture it during lunch.  The flowers bloom only for a few weeks.  By the end of May they'll be gone and the tree will be so stark you'd never guess it could produce such stunning flowers.