If Dogwoods are Blooming, It Must Be Spring! In Northern Ohio we are accustomed to winters that seem to go on forever. But then one day you will look out your window and discover pure pink flowers have submerged, seemingly overnight. The Dogwood is in bloom and Spring has begun. Highly prized for it’s elegant early blossoms shown off on graceful branches, Dogwoods are as sure a sign of spring as tulips, daffodils and longer days. A true understory tree, the Dogwood thrives under the canopy of larger trees. Filtered sunlight and well- drained soil are the key requirements to the success of a thriving Dogwood. This beautiful tree generally blooms in mid April through mid May, which sometimes poses a bit of a problem for the delicate pink or white blossoms. We often experience a heavy frost during that period which may damage the blossoms. The Kousa, or Chinese Dogwood, however, blooms a bit later usually in June which helps the tree stay in bloom much longer as the threat of frost has passed. Try growing both varieties to extend the blooming season. Some other stunning varieties of Dogwood trees are also found in the Cherokee series, which have some variegation to their leaves. The dogwood has many uses in the home garden. The city gardener with enough space for only a few trees might choose the dogwood because of its modest size and year-round appeal. Those with a little more space might elect to have a “grove” of dogwoods, a mixture of pinks and whites, underplanted with spring bulbs, such as wood hyacinths. Another good use would be as a specimen tree on a sweep of green lawn. However it is used, bird lovers will certainly want to hang a bird feeder on their own dogwood tree. With year-round interest and dependable beauty, you will be reminded once again why the dogwood is a favorite tree.