I love the way trees and shrubs “get in line” in the spring, some blooming very early and other later. Here are two “late leafers.”
The male flowers of Butternut (Juglans cinerea) are just beginning to show on this branch. Unfortunately this marvelous species has been devastated by canker, a fungus, in most of Vermont and in many other areas of the country.
The flowers of the shrub Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) arrive in the fall or winter but the leaves are slow to bud and open in the spring.
Still Learning To See 
How right you are! When the “gang” went to HIdden Lake Gardens, we were enjoying the lilacs–their time is short and can’t be duplicated by any florist. On the other hand, we visited the wonderful weeping beech, and those buds are barely showing. It’s like all of nature calls “Pay attention or you’ll miss the parade!” On our way down, we visited the Parr oak, and THREE of us were hugging it this time! Happy Earth Day indeed 🙂