In Service of the Seasons: Serviceberry

Much like all the winters that came before it, this winter has been a dull, grey, joyless affair.  There hasn't even been a decent dumping of snow to enjoy. It's at this time of year that I appreciate those plants in the garden that provide winter interest such as Mini-Twists Eastern White Pine and Mahonia Grape. It's also the time of year I really appreciate year-round performers such as serviceberry.

Serviceberry produce a cloud of blooms in May

Serviceberries can be grown as small trees or multi-stemmed shrubs. In May, they produce white, five-petalled blooms. By June, serviceberries are dripping with blueberry-like purple berries that the birds love. In autumn, serviceberries produce brilliant fall colours. In winter, they add structure to the garden and look especially lovely holding snow on their silver-grey branches.

The brilliant autumn colour of serviceberry

This small tree for all seasons inspired the following poem.

In Service of the Seasons

In service of the seasons

Grows the serviceberry tree

Standing small and humble

Beneath the forest canopy

No need to be the tallest

Or the grandest of the woods

Plainly a performer

Gifting nature with its goods

Springtime's snow-white blossoms

Alabaster clouds serene

Unveil a budding spectacle

Of fresh woodland's artistry

Summer's purple juneberries

Weigh heavy on the branch

Filling hungry robin bellies

As they hop and step and dance

Autumn's fiery flames

Radiant reds and golds

Wave goodbye to deep blue sky

A lesson in letting go

Winter's silver bark

Catches flakes of falling snow

Brightening the sunless grey

Waiting to bloom and grow

The white flowers of serviceberries

It won't be long until the serviceberries are blooming again.

Happy Gardening!