These aren't tiny grapes, although that's what they look like. They're purple berries that grow on the Privet shrubs in the hedgerow near our house. Privet is considered an invasive plant, but the berries sure are pretty!

Our Fringe tree is in full bloom. The blooms are so pretty and
delicate. I wish it would look this way all year. Unfortunately
the little white fringes drop off and nothing but green leaves
are left.



Fringetree or Old Man's Beard is a beautiful, small tree when
it is in full Spring bloom. It can grow nearly anywhere in the
continental United States and it's white flower color kicks in
just as the dogwood blooms are fading.

The upright oval to rounded form of fringe tree adds dark
green color in summer, bright white flowers in spring. The
pure white, slightly fragrant flowers hang in long, spectacular
panicles which appear to cover the tree with cotton for two
weeks. As with other white flowered trees, they look best
when viewed against a dark background.