I went to the garden today with the intention of staying for a couple hours to plant the sidewalk border. My fellow gardener, Mary, had done weeding and mulched in most of the stretch. I spent some time adding mulch and weeding a few extra plants out, then planted a selection of Didiscus, wildflower seeds and Gaillardia. I threw in some zinnias as well. If you follow this blog, you’ll know I usually have zinnias in profusion. I tried to add some blue colors to the flowers this year, as last year, the bouquets were all quite hot in the way of color.

Lots of seeds planted in hopes it rains as predicted; cold frame removed.
Then I worked a bit in the large garden (where someone had planted some raspberry canes). The asparagus has not emerged, but lots of flowers have. I moved to my garden, where I attacked the Jerusalem artichokes. I like these, but my goodness they do try to take over. And while the roots are tasty, they’re a bit more trouble than they’re worth. Once I got them out, I planted more seeds. Some were flowers. I decided to plant my eggplants between two rows of tiger eye marigolds. I’m hoping they will ward off the pests.

So, cherry blossoms are all over. And they are lovely and smell like cherry Lifesavers…spring brings a whole variety of perfumes wafting through the air.
I also planted Broccoli raab, parsley, and a heat resistant lettuce. Since nothing had come up yet in the cold frame, I removed it for summer storage. By next week, I should have a crop of spinach under the row cover. The lettuce is coming along nicely too. Down one side of the garden, I weeded assiduously and planted kale, chard, cutting celery and Tango celery. Cutting celery has a habit much like parsley, but tastes like celery and Tango is a cultivar that is smaller than the average celery and much easier to grow. Reportedly. I don’t know, but I have bought it at farm markets and liked it. I also put my beans in. We’ll see if the enclosure is effective.

I did get a leek from the garden. It wintered over. I will be eating it tomorrow.
I was in the garden for five hours and managed to get sunburned. I never expected to be there that long, but one thing leads to another. It’s nice to be in there and see things coming out again. Spring has sprung, in spite of relatively chilly temperatures (though not today–it was in the 80s). The columbine (aquilegia) are about ready to bloom.

I do love these.
The oregano is making a comeback.
As is the sage.
The iris are looking very happy,
And all manner of trees are in bloom.

The redbuds are among my favorites.
Meanwhile, my cousin Vicki, who sent last week’s snow photo, sent a new one. She’s expecting 8-12 inches.

This is worse than last week. You can compare…
I’m so glad I live in the south.
Your garden looks very promising. You’ll be rewarded soon, hopefully.
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Spinach next week, I hope! then seeds coming up…
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YES….so happy also that I live in Virginia! Beautiful in the spring that has finally arrived!
I am presently in Duck NC and it has been gorgeous springtime weather!
Feeling bad for Vicki and Denny. They are so tired of winter 👎🏻😩☃️
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Yeah, I was tired of it last month! Enjoy Duck.
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Oh, so THESE are the cherries!
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Yup. That’s them.
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It is so easy to lose track of time in a garden isn’t it. And I can’t think of a more pleasurable way to spend a fine morning in spring time! The garden is certainly taking off now. It’s pretty amazing that the north is still getting battered though. Surely it’s time for spring to arrive? Our winter appears to be underway here. Horrid winds began sometime during the night and continued unabated all day today, which were not forecast, and which brought down half of a big old oak in the park overnight. Siddy and I were more blown along than walking this morning. It’s finished off the last of my flowers so I shall be doing the winter tidy up when I can stand up outside.
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Oh, my gosh, that winter wind. It’s always so odd to hear about your seasons being opposite, even though I remember the grade school text book that was in. If trees are being blown down, maybe it’s best to stay close to home! As for our weird weather, I think it’s because there’s less ice in the Arctic. It used to keep the cold air to certain patterns. Now those are changing. Climate change aside, I am very much looking forward to gardening again. this year. Let’s hope it’s a good season!
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That’s fascinating, Lisa. I didn’t know about that connection, but it makes sense.
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Spring strides out and so do you, Lisa. Looking very good. Jackie also tends to go out for one purpose, and get carried away. So pleased you haven’t got all that snow
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Me too. That snow. Ugh. It’s okay in January, but in April, it’s just wearing. I don’t think it’s possible not todo a few extra things each time I go to the garden. Unless it’s dinner time and I’m getting the veg.
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I feel fortunate to live in the south too 🙂 Our temperature range today? 18ºC – 29ºC. I also say “Ugh. It’s okay in January, but in April, it’s just wearing. ”
Lovely to see the emergence of spring at your end 🙂
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I guess the warmth can be wearing, too! Perhaps you’ll cool down a bit soon.
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You really should be happy to live in the south! It’s so hateful here right now! Your garden is looking great and it will be better every day all summer–looking forward to seeing lots more (and, maybe, eventually, getting to do some gardening of my own!)
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That storm is enormous. It’s too late for weather like this. I really am looking forward to the spinach and other goodies. I’m going to try to have a better garden this year for veggies, though I do love the flowers.
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Wow, and I thought Maine was behind. Where does your cousin live?
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Door County Wisconsin. That little thumb sticking out into Lake Michigan. Ugh. Beautiful place in summer…
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Holy cats! Even worse than Maine!
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Ay-uh.
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😉
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My word! You have been busy – and with wonderful results. Jerusalem artichoke soup is my favourite – just a quick scrub with a hard brush, no peeling, and into the pot! Over here we usually call columbine (aquilegia) “Granny bonnets”. It’s raining and blowing heavily here, so your posting has added a touch of warmth!
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Yes, we’re heading into spring and you’re plunging head first into winter it appears, without benefit of fall! Yes, I like to slice and fry the little roots up with some mushrooms and thyme. And of course they’re fabulous with cream…I did note aquilegia because everyone has their own names for things and I thought it was a North American flower, but apparently not!!!
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Your cousin’s photo offers quite the contrast. Strange patterns this winter/spring.
I can picture you playing all day in your garden, totally absorbed. Hope you have some aloe for your burn!
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A honey and olive oil concoction did the trick! I always get one burn in the spring before I start slathering myself with sunscreen routinely! I hope your environs are avoiding the storm!
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I can see why you’re glad to live in the south. Lisa, your spring is way ahead of ours, as you know. These pix are a balm to the spirit — thank you.
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Glad I could help in some small way–especially after seeing your weather on your blog. I hope things start blooming soon!
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Wow, Lisa! Your 5 hours of work would have been days and days for me.
Your garden is going to be amazing this year!
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I hope so. It needs to be good this year!
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I’m glad I’m in the South too. I can see the beauties you’re growing and please post images of the columbine (aquilegia) flower when it blooms!
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That should be soon!
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Lisa, it sounds like a happy day in the garden. It has certainly been an unpredictable and prolonged winter into spring, but your garden seems to be managing well. I always forget how much work comes with spring, happy work thought it is. I’m too busy right now and for the next several weeks so it’s hard. I want to be out there every day pulling weeds, dead-heading flowers, and soon, planting tomatoes.
I’m glad you mix flowers with veg. It makes for a cheerful garden and also, as you say, good companion planting can keep the pests at bay.
I’ll be thinking of cherry Lifesavers all day. That’s a great description.
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I hope you can get in your garden soon. It’s especially soothing after being very busy!
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That it is, Lisa!
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Yep, you’re spring is like decades ahead of ours! LOL. Catching up this AM! 😀
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