I know them as mimosa trees, and they spread and grow like weeds in this area. We’ve been fighting to keep them out of our back yard, especially since one fell over a few years ago, knocking down part of our fence and damaging the roof of our garage. Currently, neighbors on both sides have multiple trees that have sprung up within the past 12 months and already stand close to 20 feet tall.

They’re stubborn and messy — but they’re also beautiful at certain times of the year. I found these blossoms hanging over the fence from next door. Which means, of course, that I’ll soon have to start watching for the inevitable baby trees in my yard.