Earth Day: Garden and a Mystery Tree

Happy Earth Day to everyone! Unfortunately mine is spoiled a little as I have to drive to occupational therapy and I always try to make Earth Day a driving free day. In spite of that, the rest of the day will be driving free and we shall walk everywhere. We are lucky to be within walking distance to markets and restaurants so when the weather gets nice (all I usually need is some sun, even in winter) we do walk rather than drive to get the groceries, etc. even though my gas mileage is such that I only have to fill up every 4-6 weeks! (Go Mini!) Always trying to think of ways I can contribute to the Earth's healing year round.

We've been having some nice spring weather and the garden is starting to blossom. My lilac trees are usually in bloom by Mother's Day (in May) but this year they're a slight bit early. The scent is quite heady as I have three trees, but its lovely to see their blossoms bursting forth with exuberance. I try not to cut too many to bring inside, as I've been told it will take more time for the blossoms to return (and have indeed noticed that, last year I cut none and the trees are laden) but I couldn't resist and did a little pruning to make a lovely bouquet. Only three cuts made quite a large bouquet which has of course has scented the whole main floor of our house in a matter of minutes after placing them in a vase!

They are quite tall now! Apologies -- the sun decided to be in just the wrong spot for most of these pictures!

A lone daffodil with my peonies getting taller behind.

In front of that my veronica is creeping like mad and has blossomed!

A lone tulip. When we moved here almost 10 years ago I planted masses of tulips and daffodils. However only a few have ever come up. I fear some type of critter eats my bulbs!

I planted this last year and it has spread nicely, I believe its mountain pink? With some wild violets. The wild violets cover every inch of our yard so that I don't allow my husband to cut the grass until they die, or until I'm able to gather together some small bouquets.


In our backyard, the tallest dogwood tree I've ever seen. You can just about make out the top, the oak tree in the yard behind us sort of blocks where the top is.


I absolutely love dogwood blossoms for their simplicity. I'm considering finding a spot where I can put a pink one since I love them so much.

And now on to the mystery tree...

This tree has been winding its way around our lilac bushes ever since we moved in. It's never flowered and I thought it was some kind of weed as its so invasive and fast growing. However, this year as I was trying to prune it back (if you saw the pile I cut of just what was overhanging onto our neighbor's driveway you'd be shocked) I noticed a flower. Which then flipped me out thinking I've been decimating some type of tree that was purposely planted. So here are some pictures and perhaps someone out there can help me solve my mystery?

This is a picture of the base of the tree which is actually at the base of the lilac.

Here it is in "action" soaring skyward while twisting it's way through the lilacs (taken last week before the lilacs opened.)
Lastly, we have a picture of the "flower" as of last week. If I can find it again, I'll take another picture if there has been a change. It's super twisted into the top of of lilac tree and difficult to find, as it may have soared even higher! (Honest, it grows like mad.)

So there you have my mystery tree. Any guesses?

Cheers!