The Season's First Robin

I have been looking but not expecting to see my first robin of the season. this is a personal yearly tradition, the robin, along with coltsfoot, signal the true arrival of Spring and indicate that growing season is near.

This year the snow has kept both the robin and coltsfoot at bay, but the robin has arrived beating out spring's most common early arrival coltsfoot, which is nowhere to be seen at the moment. The long, slow melt is on and the crocuses, dandelions, coltsfoot and daffodils will be emerging soon, well maybe not soon, but within two weeks, hopefully.

It is Always Gardening Season

This is a harsh winter. I use winter, because while it is officially spring, the 15 foot snow mound, almost, reaches the top of the apple tree in the backyard, and the winter blows strong and cool. It feels more like Early February than Late March.

Surprisingly, I am not down in the dumps or suffering cabin fever. As I walked along Roseberry Street this morning, I realized I was enjoying the day. The air was fresh and clean; a bit damp, heralding the snow that fell a few hours later.

The sun, when out is strong, the air gradually warming. I do miss the gladiolus and crocuses often seen by now. They will be late this year, but their vibrant colours will warm our hearts when they begin to peek out from under the snow.

Regardless of the weather, it will not be time to start seed indoors, for at least three weeks. I suggest April 26 for those who must have a date. Most vegetable seeds and seedlings will not see the earth until nearly six weeks later, about June 9. So why be glum. Life is too short and the wheel will turn no matter how I feel.

New gardens will pop up when the time is right. New gardeners are asking for help or a piece of land to plant, and we have been able to accommodate. The snow may cover the ground, the cold wind may grab our breath, but the gardens are already growing in the mind, heart and dreams of every gardener I talk with.

It is always gardening season.

Spring: The Garden Awakens

The cold temperatures belie the approach of Spring, but the warm sun when the wind is blokced screams, soon, soon.

Spring, even when the cold winds blows and I wonder if a real warm and sunny day will ever arrive, is the season of renewal. The time when the green awakes and colour begins to emerge. 

I enjoy seeing the first spring bulbs break through the ground with their purple and yellow flowers standing out against the brown and often white. The snow is still on the ground here when these brave beings venture forth. 

This year the crocuses were covered my snow twice but that snow served as a warm blanket to protect them against the cold night. 

The crocuses are spreading across the side yard as they are meant to; located between the house and the driveway, they have their own ecosystem to allow them to flourish and they are ready to greet the visitor.