Garden Time

Today is so warm, almost 80 degrees on our porch! Rain was predicted but other than some big boom thunder we had only a few sprinkles. I was so glad because I want to get started on the gardens.

Larry hitched up the plows and got the ground turned over. We can't plant yet--it will have to dry and then be worked up with the thing we call the toother which is like a huge rake that attaches to the tractor. It's heavy and when Larry pulls it across the turned soil it breaks it up nicely, ready to plant. But it will probably rain before the soil is dry enough to tooth it. Still, the smell of fresh-turned earth is so welcome and hopeful.

I cleaned out one small flowerbed this afternoon, carefully getting all the leaves and detritus of winter from around the rose bushes. I need to check and see if this is a good time to cut them back because they sure need it. Same thing with the lavender.

A local market had pansies when we were out yesterday. Who can resist those pretty faces? A couple went quickly into the boots, the rest into a planter.

I had lots of company while I was outside. The feeders are still very busy. I caught a downy woodpecker, the back end of a chickadee, I think, and the cautious face of a purple finch watching me as I worked.

Yes, it is feeling like spring at last!

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