Spring is here: A photo gallery of blooms from Flint's iconic Applewood Estate

Spring is finally here. The blooms are finally here. Even with this winter's frigid temps and biting winds. Even though Mother Nature dropped record snow in Flint. They are there in flowering blues, yellows, and whites all throughout the city, but especially at Flint’s iconic Applewood Estate.
Blue Scilla line the drive at the Applewood Estate.Here, blooms are coaxed from the ground at the expert hands of horticulture staff at the Ruth Mott Foundation, which has owned and operated the historic attraction since Ruth Mott passed away in 1999. 

Blooming magnolias adorn the front entrance of the main house at the Applewood Estate.Constructed in 1916, Applewood Estate—named for the orchard located on the grounds—was the home of C.S. and Ruth Mott and family. Located on Kearsley Street at Longway Boulevard, many original structures remain, including the barn, chicken coop and main house.
A large rose garden (in full bloom in June) is also located on the west side of the estate and there is the stunning view from Ruth’s Point of View, a favorite spot for Mrs. Mott to look out over the lower garden. 
The La Brezza statue in the lower garden of the Applewood Estate greets visitors much as Ruth Mott greeted her friends and family at her 90th birthday. The statue was given to Mott on her 95th birthday because of its resemblance to her 90th birthday On its centennial in 2016, the Applewood Estate began opening its gates for regular visiting hours for the community at large. 
Honeybees come and go from the hive covered in pollen at the Applewood Estate.Throughout the year, the community also is invited to multiple signature events, many with live music, hands-on activities and tours. The first event of the year is the Season Opening on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Daffodils, in full spring bloom bask in the sunlight in the lower garden at the Applewood Estate.Access to the grounds, and even signature events, is always free. 
Purple hyacinth lines the staircase leading from the main house to the lower gardens at the Applewood Estate.C.S. Mott had informed his wife Ruth that the estate could be torn down after he passed away if she so desired, said Kristin Longley, director of communications for the Ruth Mott Foundation. Ruth, being a philanthropist and wanting to preserve her late husband’s legacy, decided against demolition so that it could continue to be a resource to the community.
The Friendly Frog, originally created for the Genesee Valley Mall in 1970, was brought to the Applewood Estate in 2004 and was so popular with the visiting children, the estate purchased it for permanent residence. Applewood is open to the public 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer so that visitors can enjoy the variety of plants, flowers, and colors growing on the estate. Tours of the home also are available free of charge although registration is sometimes required. 
A red hibiscus soaks in the sun at the Applewood Estate greenhouse.For more information, visit ruthmottfoundation.org.  
The entrance into the main house on the Applewood Estate is surrounded by blooming magnolia trees.