Bulbs and Buds

Spring marches on here in southwestern Ohio. The usual wind and flooding rains. No one wants to hear a hint of the S-word in the forecast. We'll take the swampy yards and water-filled pot-holes, thank you very much. You northerners can keep your S this time of year.

As shrub and tree after shrub and tree produce buds, it brings a sense of not just renewal, but also relief after colder temperatures over longer periods of time than we've been used to in recent years. Still waiting for some late budders, but something new seems to be popping out each day. While the crocuses are largely done, the daffodils are in their glory -- yellow and white. Grape hyacinths are starting to pop up all over.

raspberries

raspberries and strawberries

garlic chives

forsythia

grape hyacinth (yes, growing in the crack between driveway sections)

oakleaf hydrangea buds

peas!

more peas!

random piece of rebar popping up for no good reason in a most inconvenient location

redbud

radishes

Spring Nesting

Woke up this morning to the weather alarm telling me that flash flooding was imminent. Check. Water coming in on one side of the basement where it only comes in during a flood, sump pump chugging away on the other side.

Second wake up: peep, peep, peep, at random intervals just outside the bedroom window. Nothing there when I peeked out. At least not yet. Oops. Now there is. Guess I'll have a close up view of the next generation...

April 1 - No Foolin'

crocuses, thyme, and daffodils

A beautiful spring day in the neighborhood. Trimming back the knock out rose that the squirrel has been using as a launch pad to the bird feeders, raking out some of the leaves along the fence, starting the cutting back of the fountain grass, and just generally enjoying the warm sun. The birds seem no less happy--making lots of noise as I work--with the pruning than the squirrels, but I'd like to think they understand it means they might get more of the food meant for them!

redwing blackbird

The crocuses are in their glory, and the daffodils and hyacinths are lining up to follow shortly. Every year they are a joy to see. This year, especially, I am thankful to the Creator as the trees begin to bud out. After an especially long and cold winter, I was not sure what to expect. I love winter and sweaters, but spring is an always welcome reminder of renewal and new possibilities just when it seems hope is a waste of time.

weeping willow

redwood

redbud

redbud

sedum

peony

peony

lily

hyacinths

forsythia

forsythia

day lilies

day lilies

 

astilbe