Author: Cassie Ham

Hi there! My name is Nolana Willowsnap, I am 103 and I am what they call a “water fairy”. I recently moved here from the rose gardens of Tyler. I spent the last 20 years there helping the gardens bloom and grow. That is what we  “water fairies” do. We nourish all kind plants to make them grow strong and beautiful. Before that, I lived in Chile where I was born. I came from a bud off of the Nolana Flower. They also call it the Chilean Bellflower.

It is the most beautiful flower in the world (that is my opinion). When I was around 83, I decided I wanted to see the world so I traveled to Tyler. A few weeks ago, I heard there was a place being designated just for fairies here in this park and decided to come check it out. I fell in love with this park and decided that I wanted to help the dogwoods bloom for the Dogwood Trails Festival. I have met several humans so far and they have been super nice. They even helped me build a roof for my house! I am so excited to live here and make the park better and even more beautiful than it already is!

We took a stroll throughout town this weekend and what did our eyes see…. but many tiny buds already in bloom! Late winter blooms in Palestine offer a beautiful pop of color against an otherwise gray sky.

 

 

Once the Redbuds are in bloom, we start tracking the dogwoods which traditionally bloom approximately 2 weeks later.

The clusters of pink or magenta blossoms appear before the leaves and appear to be growing directly out of the bark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What was a bit more surprising was the Bluebonnets that are making an early show this year!  Our historic southside district is already showcasing various shades of blue!

While we are seeing early color, the dogwoods are holding out for the time being.  We woke up to 20-28 degree temperatures the past two days so we will keep an eye on the buds and keep your fingers crossed that they do not freeze!