Early Spring (Almost) Thoughts
The tulips, irises, and daffodils are peeking up through the soil. Younger trees are just beginning to bud (you can see a bit a green if you look closely) the older trees seem to know better and are waiting a little bit longer.
Isn't that funny? Even in the plant kingdom the elders are more cautious than the brash youth.
I am a bit concerned about the flower bulbs though. While another hard frost won't hurt them, snow and ice especially would damage their leaves and stunt the flowers a bit. The leaf damage is the worst since it is the leaves as they die back later (after a good several weeks of producing chlorophyll) that feed the bulb for the following year. The weather is going to be flirting with 50 degrees from today through to next Saturday (which is the first day of Spring) but you just never know. We've had nasty weather in April.
Have not yet completed research and plans for the now empty spot where once a mighty blue spruce stood. That part of the yard looks horribly naked. I am contemplating a small Japanese garden spot. Something simple with a single small tree, a stone lantern and some white stone. Need to pick out a tree though. Needs to have elegant lines. Ah well, it is fun to plan.
Also still need to pick a spot for the raised veggie bed. It will most certainly be in the back yard as that part receives the most sunlight during the day. But just where exactly? It has to blend in with the "harmony" of the yard not clash with it and therein lies the rub. How do you add a veggie garden to a cottage garden atmosphere? Very carefully!
So today I shall put on boots (quite muddy out there) and inspect the sleepy garden and sketch out some ideas for this year. All in all a good way to spend a Saturday.
Isn't that funny? Even in the plant kingdom the elders are more cautious than the brash youth.
I am a bit concerned about the flower bulbs though. While another hard frost won't hurt them, snow and ice especially would damage their leaves and stunt the flowers a bit. The leaf damage is the worst since it is the leaves as they die back later (after a good several weeks of producing chlorophyll) that feed the bulb for the following year. The weather is going to be flirting with 50 degrees from today through to next Saturday (which is the first day of Spring) but you just never know. We've had nasty weather in April.
Have not yet completed research and plans for the now empty spot where once a mighty blue spruce stood. That part of the yard looks horribly naked. I am contemplating a small Japanese garden spot. Something simple with a single small tree, a stone lantern and some white stone. Need to pick out a tree though. Needs to have elegant lines. Ah well, it is fun to plan.
Also still need to pick a spot for the raised veggie bed. It will most certainly be in the back yard as that part receives the most sunlight during the day. But just where exactly? It has to blend in with the "harmony" of the yard not clash with it and therein lies the rub. How do you add a veggie garden to a cottage garden atmosphere? Very carefully!
So today I shall put on boots (quite muddy out there) and inspect the sleepy garden and sketch out some ideas for this year. All in all a good way to spend a Saturday.
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