The Larches, Spring 2026

My larch forest, consisting of seven trees planted in a circle, is a constant source of pleasure, which I am sharing today.

First, let’s go back to when it begins, in mid to late March.

These tiny little flowers appear: male on the lower side of the branch and the much larger female above. The female flowers will develop into small cones.

This year I noticed for the first time that I had not only pink female flowers, but a couple of trees bore only white flowers.

Here, two weeks later, you can see clearly how the female flowers are completely open with needles beneath and the male flowers are producing just needles.

Now we are in the middle of April and you can see the cones from previous years among the fresh growth.

By now the flowers are losing their vibrancy but the tree is definitely green.

And by the end of April even the baby one (we had to replace one) is fully clothed.

The female flowers are distinct cones by early May, and although still soft to touch they are hardening slightly.

By mid May I had realized that the pink flowers were developing into dark red cones…

…while the white ones were this fresh green.

I wonder if the cones will look different later in the year.

The fresh growth is now very visible, and very encouraging too considering how dry the spring was.

Before the heatwave at the end of May, this is how they looked – majestic, magical, magnificent!

They are such beautiful trees and each grows in a different way. Some are tall and willowy, others broad and sturdy.

So next time you see a larch tree, do stop and take a closer look!

 

Hope you enjoyed a close up view of the larches. Thanks for visiting and have a lovely weekend!