Some of our favorite trees and shrubs are now in bloom: Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum), Lupine (Lupinus spp) and Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). The Pagodas have seeded themselves in the orchard, and we do our best to keep every one of them. The Trilobums have done well in our yard, but they have not yet seeded themselves. The Lupines seem to be everywhere in central Maine. Some consider them a nuisance but, so far, I still appreciate them. The Horse Chestnut is not a true chestnut. It was introduced from Europe, grows into gigantic trees and is much beloved. What a cool tree.