Dogwood blooms are so beautiful to observe and really mean that spring has arrived.
The Handbook of Nature Study, page 680
"The flowering dogwood forms its buds during the summer, and of course they must have winter protection. They are wrapped in four close-clasping, purplish brown scales, one pair inside and one pair outside, both thick and well fitted to protect the bunch of tiny flower buds at their center. But when spring comes, these bud scales change their duties, and by rapid growth become four beautiful white or pinkish bracts which we call the dogwood flower."
Wow, I never knew that before. There is more information on the dogwood in the Handbook of Nature Study on pages 680-682.
Thanks to Jennifer for hosting an April Showers of Photos challenge on her blog S/V Mari Hal-O-Jen.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
