When the past autumn provided such brilliant eye candy for the Lawrence area, some might have wondered how long it might be before they were treated to a comparable display by Mother Nature.

Answer: The coming spring, which is now here with all its glorious allure.

It’s impossible to cite all the wondrous scenery this season has brought us, with the whites, yellows, golds, pinks, lavenders, purples and (insert your own favorite). There have been the redbuds, the flowering fruit trees, the jonquils, daffodils, crocuses, ground covers, tulip trees, tulips, forsythias, occasionally a frail but delightful dogwood — each one with its special time on the stage before transforming to join the summer greenery.

Recent winds have shortened the periods of observation for some of the more fragile flora, and for some plantings the peaks have passed. But one can still encounter mixtures of redbuds, flowering peach trees and the like as each announces its entry into the visual sweepstakes and takes a deserved bow.

It seems generally agreed that our community this year has been blessed with one of the brightest, liveliest and most heartwarming displays of color in a long time. We can only hope that people seize every chance to relish the beauty.

Again, the past fall was spectacular; this spring has been sensational. Such a back-to-back pairing may come only now and then, but it is well worth the wait.

When you hear those from other parts of the country singing the praises of their scenic treasures at various times of the year, never feel slighted or inferior. Anyone who has been around to enjoy our 2004-05 fall-spring treats is not inclined to feel the least bit environmentally disadvantaged.

Kansas, whatever its shortcomings, ain’t all that bad, folks!