Toyz n the Hood

There are three trees in our front yard. Throughout the winter we didn't know what kind they were, only that they looked very pretty covered in snow or hung with icicles.


But now, after many days of summery weather (we seem to have completely skipped spring) they are revealing themselves, and very splendid they are. The first is a lime-green maple. Nearest the house is a plum tree covered in pink blossom. And most glorious of all is an ornamental cherry, absolutely covered in white blossom like a throwback to the depths of winter only buzzing with bees.

We're not the only ones who are enjoying our spectacular yard. It has become a bit of magnet for neighbours, especially kids. Seems like we only have to step outside and there's a party going on, frisbees whizzing, footballs bouncing and bikes and scooters trundling up and down the driveway. For our children it's a dream come true. And adults walking past with dogs will stop and chat, and we're getting friendly with the neighbours opposite who are retired and keen gardeners and have offered us a crabapple tree...

The community I was craving a while back seems to be right here on the doorstep - as with the blossom, it just took a little sunshine to coax us all out.