march 22

All the buds and sprouts were so much more exciting a week or two ago. But when Fake Spring left and Grim Winter returned, everyone paused growth. I’ve been struggling to find new buds or exciting changes. I finally revisited this Viburnum that lives where Pepper likes to poo. For that reasons, i don’t visit her as often as I should. But here she is, with her vulva shaped buds, looking like an emerging queen. Thanks for being here, boo!

march 21

I learned from Adam Frost of BBC’s Gardener’s World that “when the weeds grow, it’s time to sow.” Therefore, I take this weed as harbinger of life. But I also realize that this dandelion is wedged right next to the house where it is undoubtedly warmer than the rest of the yard. So I’ll wait a bit longer for most of my sowing.

march 20

Happy Spring! This almost makes things worse. In Winter, I can say “well, it’s Winter, of course there isn’t anything growing.” But I’m staring at this blank canvas of a veggie bed and it’s Spring. And it’s still too cold. I suppose the wait will make planting all the sweeter. But also, UGHHHHHHH.

march 19

the snowdrops and the daffodils in the neighborhood have not been shy. for some reason all my bulbs are behind. come on wee ones! you can do it!

march 18

I SPY Part II: how many teeny tiny lettuce sprouts do you see? (hint: three…there are three. i had to say it because they’re so small that it wasn’t even a fair game. but - to my glee - there were like 7 by the end of the day.. my greenhouse is working! and we’ve had like mid-20s overnight temps)

march 16

A friend gave me a bouquet of cut flowers from her garden last year. It included some sedums that boldly rooted in the water. I planted them into pots in the fall…two out of three ain’t bad. #freeplants

march 15

I spotted the first one and squealed. I spotted the next one and squealed. Eventually I just sounded like a stuck pig.

march 13

The Elderflower shrub is not hesitating at reaching out toward spring. Potential future frosts? Slap ‘em. She’s got this.

march 10

My flimsy but effective greenhouse is finally up, weighed down by (portions of) cinderblocks. Husband advised I don’t leave plants at the bottom in case rabbits get in. Sometimes, he is very wise.

march 9

I took a bulb planting class at the botanic gardens. the teacher explained that there were several bulbs that are great for soaking up puddle areas. One was Camassia, another one was a certain type of Daffodil, and I believe the third was a type of Snowdrop. I will confirm when they’ve started blooming. So far we’re still puddling, but I think less so that before they were planted. And I’m sure it will be more effective when they’ve had time to grow and multiply.