Final answer:
The correct set of word clues that allow the reader to visualize when the story takes place is A. Leaves break out, petals drop, blossoms swell, as it aligns with the spring imagery in the provided sentence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The set of word clues that best helps the reader picture when the story occurs in the given passage is A. Leaves break out, petals drop, blossoms swell.
This choice closely mirrors the descriptions in the sentence provided, which refers to the soft and damp pink-flowers of the Dogwood tree, the sweet smell in the cool spring air, and the whistling of the wind through the yellow-green leaves.
These elements collectively suggest the season of spring, which is characterized by the growth and blooming of flowers, new leaves emerging, and a generally cool atmosphere.