What a beautiful week last week was! Now this is how I remember Spring as a child growing up! Perfect temperature days to "play" outdoors! Only my "playing" these days is in the gardens or greenhouse. My seed starting and transplanting is in full force along with weeding. Every day brings more beautiful surprises, as new plants pop from the ground, thanks to the warmer days. I love my morning walks out exploring. Last year I purchased several coral charm peonies,they take a few years to get established but wow! They look amazing this Spring. I also purchased quite a few hellebore, amazing plants, even after the deer ate them in February, due to all the snow ( even though they are deer proof) they are popping with new growth daily! The delphinium is growing rapidly into big bushy plants. I'm very excited for the astilbe blooms also, as I added quite a few more of those last year. The greenhouse is also full of surprises each and every morning with new sprouts popping daily. So fun to go out and inspect each morning! The greenhouse is already overflowing , time to move cool tolerant plants out and leave those that need the heat in.
The garden is worked up and ready for planting. It's too early to say what kind of Spring it will be, it's been quite nice so far. We do need the rain, it is better than snow, but I am looking forward to seeing some sun soon. Even if it is just little bits at a time.
My first batch of peas have sprouted, several flats of onions are in the ground and growing! The first round of sunflowers are also planted.... if all goes well they should be ready in 60 days. I've also planted some snapdragons, sweet william and lemon bush eucalyptus. Small amounts as trials. They can tolerate the cool temps so they should thrive. I may have to protect /cover them at times. My favorite time to transplant or plant is before a rain. They get settled in much quicker with no transplant shock and no extra watering required.
April flowers: I've been harvesting all kinds of pussy willow, daffodils ,forsythia, and cherry blossoms. Cutting the first stems of hellebore and hyacinth. April showers bring May flowers ( and longer stem length :) Tulips, grape hyacinth, lily of the valley, anemone ranunculus, lilacs, and bleeding hearts. This week starts the Spring 4 week CSA, a great way to enjoy a big lush Spring assortment delivered to your door( or that of a friend) or pick up an Spring bouquet here on the farm while supporting local. Includes 4 bouquets, 1 every other week thru early June of assorted seasonal blooms. Choose the larger delivered in a vase size, or a hand held bouquet option for pick up. I will be keeping flowers at the white roadside stand... unless I have to much theft again. Feel free to contact me for a custom order for front porch pick up.
With this week's rainy weather , I will be indoors seed starting , and getting ready for The Maison Albion Show April 24 and 25, as well as my She shed show end of April or Early May ( depending on weather) Happy Spring! Brenda
