The phrase "in bud" refers to a stage in the life cycle of a plant where it has just started to produce buds that have not yet fully opened or bloomed. Synonyms for "in bud" can include "budding," "emerging," "beginning to bloom," "just flowering," and "showing potential." These different terms can be useful to describe various stages of plant growth and development. The choice of which synonym to use will depend on context and the specific nuances of the situation. Ultimately, all these terms capture the beauty and promise of new life in a plant just starting to bloom.