The Light Changes and Spring is Here

March 21, 2011

Today, in the midst of studying for a mid-term, planning for a whimsical upcoming trip and trying to stay on top of work, I had the chance to dig into the garden for a soft, gray, early-morning hour. I thought it was a good way to commemorate another season's change. I found a plant-trading pal on freecycle so I had to do some digging to prepare for her pick-up of some divided bleeding hearts. In return I got some new daylilies and a reason to start in earnest my garden tasks for the spring. I've been gradually working at cleaning up the last of the leaf litter from last fall-I let it lie in the flower beds to protect the roots over the winter-and right now, as the new growth starts, I have the best view all year of the bones of the garden. This is the time to move and rethink and design. It is always a work in progress, but it was good to be outdoors in my boots and overalls, happy for the overnight rain. Mud is a friend when you're properly dressed for it and it makes the work so much easier.

I have daffodils and forsythia blooming in glorious yellows and one bright-eyed Lenten Rose (hellebore) representing the other end of the spectrum. I have high hopes for my hellebores and plan on putting in a few more this year. I think my fuchsia succumbed to the winter extremes in spite of my efforts to protect it, but am not certain yet. I'll give it a few more days before deciding I'm just a zone short of being successful with that particular plant, at least as a perennial. The herb garden endures, with parsley up from last years seed and rosemary starting to make a comeback. It was a good way to start the week- an oasis of calm in the midst of my desert of crazy.




6 comments

  1. What a lovely garden! I just love flowers :) My daffodils are just starting to bloom. I think they need some friends, though.

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  2. This post makes me happy. Lovely garden photos!

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  3. Yay for spring! I love the pictures!

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  4. I am so itching for real spring. We're still getting snow sleet showers off and on. The extra rain is good for our water tables, but not on our moods!

    Our daffodils are almost opened. I do love the early spring planning. I hope your fuchsia survived!

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  5. Beautiful blooms!! The hellebore is lovely. Don't give up on the fuchsia. It's a bit early to be seeing signs of growth - if it is a hardy one. I'm jealous of your spring. Ours is in the making. Buds and new growth can be seen everywhere. Crocuses have come and gone. Awaiting the burst from the other bulbs!! Hellebores are still in full bloom. What a great plant!

    Enjoy the peace of working in the garden and reaping the glorious benefits!

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  6. oh those lovely plants. I am glad you are able to get muddy and enjoy it!

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