Tuesday, January 24, 2023

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!

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