More Spring Color

More spring blossoms from my home to your home - enjoy!

daffodils - scrambled eggs

Spring Has Sprung!

Typical spring…changes occur in a blink of an eye.  Fast, really fast.

Bloodwort -  in the AM

   Woodland Wildflower

Bloodwort -  in the PM

This morning, my first order of business, was to get outside early with the singing birds.  As I walked around my entire garden observing each little alteration; and there were many, I was being serenaded.  My garden birds were not shy; they did not hold back.  They blasted their tunes out on high volume; almost deafening to my ears.  Their enthusiastic level is characteristic of early spring.  The birds are happy, overjoyed.  Eventually, as the season progresses, they will turn the volume down.  Now, I value their passion, their gusto for life.

What a perfect way to begin the day; full of hope.

The plants are similar to the birds; exhibiting their zest for life; but in a quiet way - breaking ground to exist another year, producing wonderful flowers which will yield seeds; sustaining their life.

Will we be able to do the same;  sustain our life?  Only time will tell.

Enjoy the Moment!

Spring is in the Air

early blossoms -  ornamental Bradford Pear - announcing that spring has arrived!

I went for a walk this after noon; Jake and Buddy came along.  Buddy, of course, made several runs out in front of us on his own.  He always returned, tongue hanging long from his mouth. Jake lagged behind me.  He was not going to take any more steps than he had to make.

The day was overcast, perfect for my midday walk; but it was far from being grey.  I decided to walk down through the greening pastures.  Both cows and sheep were off in distant fields, so I would not have to worry about opening/closing any gates.  My return trip would be uphill all the way; but, one reason for the walk was for exercise.  Exercise I would get.  A second reason for my walk was to enjoy the beginning of the spring season.  And, enjoy I did.  My mood was tranquil, but my surroundings were not quiet.

I heard more birds than I could see.  I heard more bird calls than I could ever identify.  I heard tweets, and cheeps, and caws, and whistles, and shrills, and twitters, and chirps, and bird sounds that I could not even describe.  Each sound blended into an enchanting melody.  What a great way to welcome spring.  And, this is only the launching of many more delightful moments.  I am ready to partake…one precious minute after precious minute.

Buddy and I made it back to the house before we realized Jake was not with us.  I heard a bark and looked back down at the bottom of the pasture.  There, Jake was  wandering alone.  I called.  He did not seem to hear.  I looked 15 minutes later. Jake continued to ramble.  If Jake does return to the house in one hour, I will go and fetch him. 

But, first, I needed  to take a rest myself. 

Well, I could not wait.  Two minutes later, I saw Jake in the distance, gave a call and he barked in response.   Jake heard me, but he could not figure out that I was up at the house calling him.  He just wandered about aimlessly, barking for help.  Unfortunately, he was exhibiting signs of doggie dementia. Too tired to walk down a second time, I jumped on the 4-wheeler.  When I got within sight of Jake, I could tell he recognized me as he came running with tail wagging and tongue waving in his smile.  He was not lost any longer.  Slowly but surely, Jake followed me, on the 4-wheeler, back to the house.  Soon, Jake was back in familiar territory. 

I must make a mental note…never leave Jake behind again.  He is no longer able to find his way home.

And, a tear rolled down my cheek.

Avian Aria

I woke up early this morning.  3:15 AM to be exact.  Glenn, too, woke up and opened the window; first time, this year.  The slight breeze coming in through the screened opening was pleasant.  I decided to go downstairs and start my work.  I really wanted to stay around and listen for the morning birds.  I was sure they would be singing this morning. Fully awake, I opted for the work.  Glenn returned to bed.

After three hours, I was tired, so I went back to bed.  At 6:15, it was still very dark outside. It was easy to fall asleep.

As the light began to break above the mountains to the east, I heard them; the morning birds. First one bird, then another until the entire choir was in full cantata.  I was ecstatic. 

This singing by my feathered friends is so beautiful, so cheery; in the early spring and as it continues throughout summer.  But, the first time, the first early morning melody sets the mood for the entire season. 

The birds are happy, I am happy.

P.S. Other, recent, recognizable signs of spring on the farm…peepers loudly peeping from the pond, bumblebees buzzing blossoms, forsythia and flowering quince in early bloom, groundhogs lumbering in the pastures…each day, I add to my list. My world is awakening!

P.P.S.  Even my chickens know it is spring.  Their dismal winter egg-laying numbers have miraculously increased over night! 

And The Pains Begin!

The unofficial spring is moving at lightning speed.  I will have to work fast to keep up with the seasonal chores.  But, no matter how early in the year I begin or how fast I work; I always get behind.  No surprise here!

Today, I spent about one hour in the yard clipping dead plant material that I had left for protection or winter interest - spent sedum flower heads, dried mum plants, frilly-ended flower stalks.  These dead plants look pretty frosted with ice or a bit snow, but not in a spring garden. I pruned my four grape vines.  They are still juvenile plants, but I anticipate fruit yield will be greater this year than last.  We are still enjoying the Concord jam made from last’s summer harvest.

The sun was out in full force.  I was downright hot.  

Promptly, I became tired.  I am not use to weeding.  I will have my weeding back and leg muscles, my weeding stoop in great shape by the time August rolls around.  Until then, two ibuprofen as necessary should alleviate the inevitable pain. Unfortunately, I am one of those people who do not like to take medication.  I endure the pain.  After all, it will just return the next gardening day.

When I stopped weeding, I took a quick inventory of the status of the garden. I observed one treasure; took a few steps, and was awarded another prize. I am excited!

Buds are breaking.

Flowers are in bloom.

Plants are growing.

Buds are hinting at soon-to-be blossoms.

Discovery abounds daily.  Don’t wait for your flowers to be in full bloom to appreciate them.  You are missing so much joy.  Take a walk every day, look closely, witness the little changes - you might just encounter your own pearl.

The Color Continues

The bold color of the season has begun.  And, each day, I am jubilant to be observing more and more color!

emerging hyacinth

 But, be forewarned …you may need to look closely, very closely to see some amazing little curiosities. Take the extra time to explore/discover a new wonder. 

GORGEOUS!

elm spp. flower cluster -

Do not miss out! 

Yellow, Yellow Daffodils

I have clumps of daffodils growing all over my yard…in the gardens, in the lawn, along the woods and along our gravel road.   Annually, I transplant bulbs by separating the existing larger clumps, thus; making more clumps.  That is one nice benefit of daffodils, they divide and naturalize well.

just beginning to bloom ...

The early daffodils, what I affectionately call my STAR daffodils, are still making a strong showing.  These dainty blossoms were beaten down to the ground during a recent 3” snowstorm.   As the white stuff melted, they popped back up to wave their simple, yellow petals. They are a favorite of mine. 

My mid-season varieties have not fared as satisfactorily.  These daffodils, with very showy blossoms, were affected by the snow, too.  Unfortunately, once down, they remained down.  A few of the later blossoms manage to look good.  But, they are not in top form. Maybe next year…

 

I also adore what I call my old-fashioned daffodil.  I transplanted many bulbs over the years from the original homestead area of the farm, up around our current home.  I wanted to be able to enjoy these flowers daily, not just when I took an early spring walk where the Wilson Mansion once stood.

My later season daffodils are mere buds, or better yet, are still forming their buds.  I am so glad that I still have many more daffodils to come to brighten my yard and home.  Daffodils are the perfect harbinger of spring.

With all the different varieties, daffodil season is lengthy.

I am not complaining.

P.S.  Clocks were set ahead one hour today; changing to Daylight Saving Time.  There was still a hint of light in the western sky at 8:00 PM - woohoo!