Tag Archive: Cincinnati

Spring Redbud Blossoms – Cincinnati, Ohio

Spring Redbud Blossoms - Cincinnati, Ohio

Spring in the Midwest is a time of transformation, and one of the most spectacular signs of the season is the blossoming of trees across states like Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. Native trees such as the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) are among the first to bloom, erupting in vibrant fuchsia-pink flowers that hug the branches before the leaves appear. These small, understory trees thrive in forests and along roadsides, offering early color and food for pollinators. Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida), with their soft white or pink bracts, follow closely behind, adding elegance to both rural woodlands and suburban landscapes.

In cities and towns throughout the Midwest, ornamental trees put on a show of their own. Crabapples (Malus spp.) are particularly popular for their dense clusters of blooms in shades of white, pink, and red. These trees are not only admired for their beauty but also serve as important early nectar sources for bees emerging from hibernation. Cherry trees, especially ornamental varieties like the Yoshino or Kwanzan, are often found in parks, botanical gardens, and residential areas, where they draw crowds eager to enjoy the brief but breathtaking spectacle of their cloud-like blossoms.

Beyond the well-known favorites, other native species contribute to the spring bloom across the region. Serviceberry trees (Amelanchier spp.) are early bloomers with delicate white flowers and the added bonus of producing edible berries later in the season. Ohio buckeyes (Aesculus glabra), the state tree of Ohio, also bloom in spring, producing upright clusters of creamy yellow-green flowers that support pollinators. Together, these trees help define the spring landscape of the Midwest, marking the end of winter’s dormancy with a vibrant and diverse floral celebration that stretches from the Great Lakes to the rolling hills of Kentucky.

Historic Fort Thomas Tower – Kentucky

Historic Fort Thomas Tower - Kentucky

A tall stone tower stands prominently surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. The base of the tower is built with larger stones, and nearby, a brick building is visible.

Fort Thomas Tower, which was built in 1894. This 75-foot tower was originally a water tower for the nearby Fort Thomas military post.

Fort Thomas was established in 1887 as part of a broader effort by the United States government to improve defense along the Ohio River and protect Cincinnati from potential threats. The fort was constructed on a hill that provided a commanding view of the river and surrounding areas, making it a strategic location for military purposes. The fort was originally built to protect the Cincinnati area during a time when there was concerns over military conflicts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Spanish-American War and World War I. The fort was decommissioned in the 1920’s.

Fort Thomas is named after General George Henry Thomas.

Condominium Development – Rising Sun – Indiana

Condominium Development - Rising Sun - Indiana

A beautiful new yellow condominium development on the banks of the Ohio River, on the border of Indiana and Kentucky, in the town of Rising Sun. Rising Sun is a rural community in southern Indiana, a state known for its affordable housing market, and reasonable real estate prices. This is especially true in small towns outside the nearby major metropolitan areas of Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky and of course Indianapolis.