As I write, I'm looking out my window at the ornamental crab trees in my yard. Their delicate blossoms have come and gone now with the last storm, but for awhile, with every little breeze, dozens of tiny white petals would drift like snowflakes, scattering in swirls across the lawn. So pretty!
The mild, sweet fragrance of crab apple blossom, so similar to honeysuckle, attracts bees and keeps them busy, and toward summer's end hundreds of tiny apples, the size of cherries, will appear. This fruit is largely ornamental, nice for wreath-making, but it can also be used in preserves and jellies--something I haven't quite got around to testing yet. On their own crab apples taste quite sour. I recall that surprising discovery long ago, biting into one when I was younger and still climbing trees.
Although there are hundreds of varieties of apple trees today, I found it interesting that all of them originated in Europe from a single, wild crab apple species: Pyrus coronaria (now referred to as 'Malus coronaria'), before being cultivated around the world.
Since apples grow best in cool, northern climates, they became an ideal crop for the state of Michigan, where early settlers began propagating them in abundance. Because of this reason, it must have seemed fitting to a Mr. William Harris of Norwood, to propose the adoption of the apple blossom as the best flower to represent the state.
On February 9, 1897, that's just what he did.
Now, initially, as I understand it, the wild crab apple species was selected, but later it was found not to be a 'native'. (Shocking news to some.) Because of this fact, legislation didn't specify any particular botanical name, but only refers to the generic "apple blossom" instead.
Without further ado or apparent incident, it was officially and wholeheartedly adopted as the state flower on April 28, 1897.
COLORS: Most apple blossoms are white or pale shades of pink. When it comes to stitching something you want to appear white on a white background choose pastels. In some cases, black works. But for flowers I don't think that's the best option, it may be too stark in comparison to the other flower blocks--unless you are already using a lot of black. Here I used pinks--but yellow, lavender, soft violet, or gray blue, could be used to outline the petals and make them stand out.
Block Size: Images should be about 4 x 4-inches or so to fit a 6.5" block----re-size them if necessary.
For additional guidance, you can print out the PDF color and stitch guide here:
Another great block!! I have so enjoyed watching the progress of each block.
Posted by: Julie | April 29, 2010 at 03:15 PM
That is the sweetest representation of Apple Blossoms I've seen in a long while. Oh, the smell of Apple Blossoms ... heavenly.
Posted by: Yvette | April 29, 2010 at 04:37 PM
They are presently in full bloom here in Michigan!
Posted by: judy | April 29, 2010 at 07:51 PM
I love flower petals floating on the breeze like snow drops.
Hoosier hugs,
Cheryl
Posted by: Whosyergurl | April 29, 2010 at 08:12 PM
I remembered my high school project. I made slightly similar to this one. Guess I'm not that good. LOL...
Posted by: WISP | April 30, 2010 at 02:36 AM
Just love these flower blocks
How about the Wild Prairie Rose
Posted by: Harriet | May 02, 2010 at 09:32 AM
I would like Alabama to be next... thanks
Jeanette S
Madison AL
Posted by: Jeanette Silvey | May 02, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Our neighbors apple trees received a severe pruning this spring, so there were hardly any blossoms. Thank you for providing one that will not fade!
Posted by: Mom Wald | May 05, 2010 at 05:38 AM
Hello,
You should have a look here :
http://www.classroomjr.com/state-flower-coloring-pages/
There you can get all state flowers !
Your project is very interesting, thank you for sharing.
Elena
Posted by: Coeur de freesia | May 05, 2010 at 08:55 AM