Dogwoods and a Leaf Tray

When we  moved here I planted a number of shrubs in our back yard. Many had leafed out, then we had a hard freeze. The evergreens seem to be doing fine but several of the deciduous trees are having a hard time. This week the pink and white dogwoods put on a couple of flowers and some leaves. Click over to Lori Buff's blog to see her pink dogwood teapot, it really captures the essence of the flower. Until I took the photo of the pink dogwood today I didn't realize the flower is only partially pink. It pays to observe nature closely.

One Japanese maple and a redbud tree have yet to put out leaves. I hope the frost didn't kill them. Both should be hardy but they had already put out leaves which were killed back. Please keep your fingers crossed for them.

While I was taking a walk in the yard I picked a few new leaves and brought them in to use as texture on this mixed leaf tray. The tray's about twelve inches square. I plan to brush oxides on the leaves, then put a clear glaze over. The tray could be used for cheese and crackers or set in the garden filled with water and mud so butterflies could puddle. Last night I fell asleep to the sound of a forest full of crickets chirping. Tomorrow is the first of May, a white rabbit day. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.