Dogwoods & azaleas

Big azalea bush by the hammock

This is the time of the year when a lot of people are sick with pollen allergies, but it's also the time of year that gives us the beautiful azaleas and the pretty flowers on the dogwood trees. Both plants are native to this area, so they grow really well here. Azaleas are a type of rhododendron, and the flowering dogwood is the state flower of North Carolina.

Beautiful (and very old) dogwood tree

As for me, I'd rather take my Zyrtec and have these beautiful flowers, than to not have them at all. In fact, last weekend we planted three more dogwood trees . . . so hopefully this time next year, they'll be blooming!