Tucked in the corner of our yard is this crabapple tree. This variety, called “Royalty” was very popular in the 1980’s, but has since gone out of favour because it is prone to disease, loosing its leaves in mid-summer due to apple scab. Sadly, it is arguably a failed cultivar, a result of breeding gone awry. Wild crabapples were long valued as a food source, medicines and for their wood. In modern times crabapple trees are more valued for their ornamental qualities.

Our piece of “royalty” is now in her fifties and a survivor we try to care for. It’s sad to see the leaf fall way too early and we wonder if she’ll be back in the spring. And then it happens with little warning, an explosion of magenta blossoms that hide the scars and dead branches. Within days the blooms are a delicate pink. For the briefest time, the whole tree is alive with the hum of bees and insects. Then as quickly as it came, the show is over, the petals scatter like snowflakes.

Every year, I take lots of photo’s, trying to capture the elusive. I used watercolour as a medium to try and depict the brilliant light and the soft and airy quality of the blooms.

Watercolour, 11×14 on 140 lb 100% cotton watercolour paper, framed – $225