Remember Goethe?
Spring is the time when you notice that all really is leaf.
My un-repotted poplars are leafing out nicely; the rowan is just behind. The two repotted ones who've had their roots cut, look OK, but the one who had his roots cut and was, er, sculpted to encourage a bendy shape appears less happy. Still, none are dead yet. The baby oak might have succumbed to the squirrels burying peanuts around his roots.
As you can see, the lilac is preparing her flowers, as is the tree peony. The roses and honeysuckles are very leafy already.
Bulbs have been less fortunate. The new fence led to the loss of many of my lilies-of-the-valley. A squirrel found the dug up bulbs and is eating them. The bulbs I put in a pot got waterlogged.
Never mind. The bees are about and a hoverfly. Many very small flying things. The baby birds might have enough to eat when they hatch.
Yes I remember Goethe and leaves, though I had to check the name of the novel (Everything the Light Touches). Good book. Yes, the reemergence of leaf in spring is a special time. Your photos are lovely. I love the first one with all the intricate bits. Is that the lilac? (I'm not sure.) Good to hear about the baby trees. Pleased that flying insects are flying. B. thinks he saw a bumblebee yesterday and we're not sure ... if it was a Queen, she'd better go back into her nest. Rain ... and snow is forecast for next 2-3 days.