SPRING AT LAST!!
Such a busy time of year! Things are changing so quickly, I long ago lost writing everything down in the Biotime Log (once again, good intentions…). It’s all I can do to keep up!
My To-Do list goes on for pages, divided into categories of Start, Plant, Transplant, Divide, Clean-up/Weed, Mulch, Infrastructure, Greenhouse, etc. The nettles and chickweed need harvesting… lovage, celery herb, cardoon, dandelions… all are at their best right now! The Morning Glory is taking over! Aggghhhh!
Stop!
Take a breath. Pause. Look around us. Little miracles in every direction:
The Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata) was here when we bought our property in 1995. I am not sure when it was planted or what is its story. It symbolizes such perfection to me. The fuzzy catkins appear in late winter and the buds in early spring. As the flowers emerge, they are blushed with pink, and then open to such a bright white, they almost glow in the dark in the moonlight. Then come the spring winds and rains, and they become tattered and fall.
Honeyberry (Lonicera cecerulea edulis) flowers promise blueberry-like drupes in the months to come.
We have several of the native tall species of Mahonia / Oregon Grape. It’s a wonderful plant, providing early pollen, edible berries, and shelter. They grow well in the rather dry, clayey soil by the cedars.
As I walk around, I am reminded how in learning about the plight of the honey bee, I learned so much about other pollinators. One of the best way to provide for them is with native plants and in allowing so-called weeds to grow (dandelions, purple dead nettle, wild mustards, and the like). They are among the first to flower and are so appreciated in spring when it is warmer, yes, but still cold.
I absolutely love the Red Flowering Currants. They are a bumblebee and hummingbird magnet! The flowers are edible; the berries, in my opinion, a bit mealy, but the birds like them. Step right into it and be surrounded by humming and buzzing! Amazing!
I am so thankful the hummingbirds and bumblebees made it through winter!!!
Patience. Schizophrenic weather has been the cause of much anxiety. The To-Do lists mock me. (Is a gardener really ever done?)
The pics you posted are lovely. Curious as to what the daffodils are discussing.
Update.. The verbena bonariensis took hold. Small miracles.
V. bonariensis will provide a grand welcome to the Monarchs and Bumbles!
Thank you, Karen.