By Kathy Reagan Young

I couldn’t believe when I looked out in my backyard and saw my star magnolia in full bloom — in February!

That bush is my harbinger of spring. I can count on it to burst forth right around March 15 or so. It was a gift from my parents upon the birth of our oldest child, Maggie Mae, on March 8. However, it was never actually blooming on her birthday, until this year. Climate change? Oh no, I’m not going into that political minefield.

Regardless of the reason, spring came early to the Branch. Now, the question is this: Will we get to enjoy it, or will summer follow suit and show up prior to its normal debut timeframe?

There are so many things to love about spring, I’m not sure where to start. That spring green color that is so hard to replicate. It’s delicate and fleeting. It seems that as soon as I notice it on the trees, the shade has shifted to a darker one, not to be seen again until next year.

The flowers — oh, the flowers. Bursting with life affirming color and scent. I’m so grateful to all of the people in this community that have worked so hard on their yards to share with those of us that perhaps aren’t as gifted in the garden. There are several yards in my own neighborhood of Jolliff Woods that are absolutely stunning.

One of my favorite areas to drive through in the spring is on Route 17 (I know, not Western Branch, but it’s close enough to get to and enjoy) in Suffolk just past the bridge overlooking the former Bennett’s Creek Marina (cannot wait for the new restaurant to open!). There is a time each spring, during which both wisteria and honeysuckle are in bloom. The smell is intoxicating, and it looks like a painting.

Not feeling it yet? Here’s an idea: plan to participate in this year’s Historic Garden Week (April 22-29), especially the tour of homes right here in Western Branch from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 22.

You can get more information and purchase tickets online at www.wbgardentour.com. There are tickets available at the tour headquarters, as well as online, and online tickets must be verified at the tour headquarters, which is at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 4320 Bruce Road.

One of the homes on the tour was featured on the front of the first edition of this magazine: Wildwood, owned by Alison and Tommy Anderson. I love seeing all the flowers in their yard each year — and the llamas, miniature horses and chickens stepping through them!

Spring has sprung, people. Get out there and soak it up. Enjoy this beautiful season of renewal. Quickly. Summer’s not far behind. Enjoy the Branch ­— with all its buds and blossoms!

Kathy Reagan Young has lived in Western Branch for 17 years. She owns PR Plus, a digital marketing company specializing in social media management, website development, reputation management and business development ideas for small businesses. Email her at Kathy@PRPlusMarketing.com.