If I was to pick a flower that represents Dalmatia, I would immediately choose the almond flower. Although it starts blossoming in January, late February and early March is when it is in full bloom and the fields in Dalmatia are simply wonderful! Sprinkled with white and pale rose flowers, the almond trees are the first sign of Spring! Carried by bura wind, these white and pink flowers sometimes leave the impression of snowing…

The almonds in Dalmatia are gaining in popularity again. In Dalmatia, almond is called bajam or mendula.New almond groves are being planted all over Dalmatia since Croatia produces only 40% of it’s needs. The rest is imported from the US. My mother’s family used to have some 20 trees in ogradica as they called the small rocky field encircled by dry-stone wall. The trees were over 50 years old and quite tall when the lightning struck and they all burned to the ground two years ago. The wonderful image of all of them in bloom is all that is left…

The Dalmatian almonds are not of great commercial value – the nuts are small and a bit bitter compared to the imported nuts. Lately, I am thinking about planting my own almond grove – some 20 – 30 trees. The government is supporting the revival of almond plantations but this would be just for the beauty of the flowers in those two winter months…