Forsythia

I remember as a child playing in the backyard, in early spring, being struck by dazzling golden brilliance. A few days before, the shrub was bare and boring. Then i could not stop looking. That was the first time, that, i was impressed by floral beauty. Ever since i am happy to see the first bloom.

Forsythia is part of the olive family. Most varieties came from the far Orient: Japan, coastal China and Korea. The flowers come before the other leaves on this plant.