locust

Twenty five years ago our neighbor Chris gave us a pail containing three locust seedlings. We planted them along the driveway and hoped for the best. Many people commented on our decision, calling them weed trees and warning us they were a nuisance to control. Over the years they have thrived, sending shoots into places they were not welcome, (like my vegetable garden,) and surprising unsuspecting children with their thorns. They have also survived porcupine attacks and ice storms, and every spring they delight us with a feast for many senses. They produce graceful white flowers that hang from the branches like lilac flowers. The flowers fill the air with a wonderful scent that wafts through the yard and surprises me when the breeze is moving just right. They also attract swarms of bees whose buzzing is like a warm humming melody. Standing under the trees is a wonderful spring gift that never lasts long enough. It is hard to capture all this in photos, and the bees were not willing to pose while I tried to focus on them, but I’ve posted these anyway, just to give you an idea.
Enjoy – Debbi