In the late winter/early spring, something truly magical takes over California’s Central Valley, blossoms! No matter how many times you see them, you can’t help but marvel at how spectacular they are. It’s short-lived they only last 2-3 weeks at the most, so you have to enjoy them from a safe distance while you can. The air is thick with the sweet fragrance of freshly pollinated blossoms, and as the wind blows, they fall off the trees and float around like delicate snowflakes. It’s truly something special. The farmers that tend to the land have a ton riding on those delicate pink and white flowers whole crops of almonds and cherries are dependent on them. It’s not unusual during those few magical weeks to see cars pulled over on every country road as people try to capture the perfect photos to post on the gram.
This particular photo was taken on my way into work one early spring morning. I had been admiring them for days, but with clouds and a potential storm rolling in, I knew they would not be around much longer. I quickly pulled over and snapped this photo which is one of my absolute favorites. The sweet little flowers destroy my life for a few weeks, but it is worth every moment of misery to enjoy them. It makes me a little sad that so much of the country land I grew up with has now been turned into housing or warehouse space, but it also makes being grateful for the beauty that much sweeter. If you choose to pull over and take photos, please we beg you to be respectful of the farmer and their trees don’t traipse down the rows without permission, don’t back your car in to get the perfect shot, and for the love of all things do not touch the blossoms. It also best to talk with the farmer before stepping onto their property. After all, it is technically trespassing otherwise. Please head over to the Blue Diamond Almond Growers for more information on almond growing and why the delicate blossoms are so important.
