Springing upwards ...

... and bursting with promise.

This Malus is a variety called Sun Rival.  We planted it three years ago, just after we moved in and remodelled the front garden.  It is pretty much the centre piece. Every year it gets battered repeatedly when we get a gale from the South West - which seems to happen ever more often: but it never falters.  

 These buds burst open only a few days ago.  I doubt they have ever been more welcome than they are this year.  A sign of better days ahead I hope.    

:-)