I’m really enjoying seeing the blossoms blooming right now. 🌺

When I see the flowers of blossom trees I know that spring is around the corner.

Blossom refers to the flowers of trees that bear fruit (with stones).

Spring blossoms blooming

🌺In the south of France, the almond tree makes an early appearance. It starts to bloom at the end of winter with white or light pink flowers. Its leaves grow later and the almond ‘fruit’ ripens until the end of summer.

🌺Spring also sees apple, pear and of course, cherry blossoms. Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms (they are flowering right now!). People all over the world travel there to see these flowers in full pink pride during the ‘Sakura’ festivals. Although the official capital of cherry blossoms is Macon in the US.

🌺Why do flowers mainly start to bloom in spring?

The answer is quite scientific. There is a photosensitive protein in flowering plants (the FKF1 protein). This is activated only in the late afternoons and needs light, so in the winter there aren’t enough hours of sunlight for the protein to react!

🌺This first protein then activates another protein, which activates specific parts of the plant, so it will stop growing leaves and use its energy to grow the flower.

🐝The flower is then ready to receive the pollinators! Plants have slightly different bloom times, so the pollinators can go around them all.

💐Flowers can really brighten up the home as well, but they don’t last long in a bouquet. You can always dry some of them, or you can make your own handicraft flowers with rubbish!

More ideas in my EcoKids Easter Guide.

Other sources: KiwiCo, Explore!, Provence Web