We are almost through our fourth winter in Switzerland, and I must confess that I struggle to get through the last few weeks of winter. Fortunately, the first signs of spring are beginning to make their appearance. Spring in Zurich has milestones in the form of blossoms and flowers that excite me and assure me that the sun, warmth, and colour are on their way.

In today’s letter, I share more about the types of spring flowers in Zurich.

Snowdrops and Crocuses

The very first flowers that make their appearance are Snowdrops. They appear already during February and March and, in many cases, while there is still snow on the ground. They are pure white and look delicate and fragile but are very hardy flowers.

During March, the crocuses colour the lawns. The crocuses belong to the iris family and are native to the Alps. They come in typical Easter egg colours of purple, yellow, cream, and white.

Daffodils

The golden yellow daffodils usually start to make their appearance by mid-March. In German countries, they are Osterglocke (Easter bells) because they bloom during Easter. I realised here how many different types of daffodil varieties exist.

Magnolias

The Magnolia blossoms amaze me every year. They look like butterflies emerging from their pupae. They also start blooming in mid-March. Thanks to their sweet, creamy, and light floral scent, magnolias have been used in perfumery for centuries.

Cherry blossoms

The cherry blossoms between mid-April and early May are a highlight for me. Near Frick and Zug, there are cherry blossom walking trails that make you feel you are in heaven.

Tulips

From mid-April, the Tulips also start to appear in people’s gardens. One year we were lucky enough to attend the tulip festival at Morges, a village next to Lake Geneva. The best place to enjoy tulips is Mainau flower Island, just over the border in Konstanz, Germany, about an hour’s drive from Zurich.

In Switzerland, the public can pick their flowers at selected flower farms. I took the picture in Forch, within walking distance of our house. Charl spoiled me for our wedding anniversary with the gift of picking my favourite tulips.

Canola

During April, the Canola fields begin to colour the world golden yellow and their smell hangs in the air. We like to ride our bikes between these Canola fields. They practice crop rotation, and at the beginning of the season, I am curious to see which areas will turn yellow.

Wisteria and Irises in Belvoir Park

In early May, the Wisteria begins to bloom. I see it in people’s gardens, but the most beautiful example is in Belvoir Park, where there are arches of white and purple Wisteria.

Mid-May, the most beautiful iris varieties and colour combinations start blooming in Belvoir Park.

Rhododendrons

During May, the Rhododendrons bloom. These are large shrubby plants and part of the family of smaller Azalia plants. About 30 minutes outside Zurich is Seleger Moor Park, where many grow. I visited the park last year and was lucky to also see the Peonies in bloom.

During spring there is a joyful atmosphere in the air. I hope you could share in this joy through my lens.

Regards

Emsia