The Crab Apple

 As the clouds rolled in tonight, the dark, lead-grey skies became the perfect backdrop for the "Royal Raindrops" Crab Apple. The tree is almost in full bloom now. I am so happy that it has rebounded from last years disappointing show and is totally covered this year in hot-pink flowers. It was planted on Mother's Day 2009 and was soon discovered by the local deer. As you can still see 3 years later, they gave the lower branches a pretty good trimming. We immediately surrounded the tree with protective fencing. I am hoping some day it will get large enough that the fencing can be safely removed. I am also hoping time will allow the lower portion of the tree to fill out and regain a more pleasing shape. But even with its cage and lopsided shape, it is still a lovely, glowing beacon on the hillside right now.