Getting By

Maybe spring isn't coming this year. Maybe this is as good as it's going to get. Cold days, a little snow, warming all the way up into the 40's, then cold and snow again. Does that sound familiar? It makes a gardener think of drink!

There is a little bit of slow progress out there in the garden. The Siberian iris have bloomed and faded already, and now the crocus are just starting. I saw a daffodil trying valiantly to bloom today in the cold sunshine. It's a weak and pitiful kind of spring.

In reality, I know that spring will get here eventually. One day soon, the air will warm up, the sun will shine, and the breeze will turn soft. In the meantime, I'm getting by in the usual ways. I buy daffodils at the grocery store.

I enjoy the red petunias STILL blooming on my kitchen windowsill since last June. They were a gift from my little grandson, and have never once stopped blooming since then. Never.

And I keep checking the weather reports and the buds coming up outside. Sooner or later, one of those two things are going to give me good news! In the mean time, I'm getting by. Spring, could you please hurry up? Please? 

More of Mexico

Since Spring is taking her sweet time to arrive, I thought I'd take another virtual trip to Mexico. It really was the trip of a lifetime, and woe to the person who innocently asks me "How was your trip?" I could go on all day.

 You know it's a great trip when you make new friends, eat delicious food, enjoy the beautiful weather, and experience new cultures. And that was every day!

San Miguel de Allende was a charming and beautiful city. Between the cobblestone streets, the colorful buildings, the church bells ringing, the vendors on every corner, and other local life, it was a place I'll never forget. There are many who come here to visit, and never leave, for it's a popular retirement spot for Americans.

One of the things I remember most was the scent of lavender everywhere I went. The gardens were full of it! There was lavender soap and sachets, of course. Now whenever I smell lavender, I'll think of Mexico.

Another highlight was the wine. I do love wine anyway, but to be enjoying the wines of South America while watching the sunset over this beautiful city was extra special.We even took a winery tour that was nothing like I've ever experienced. In fact, it was so special that I'll wait and write a whole post about it.

I hope to return some day to that beautiful spot, and to visit the new friends I made there. In the meantime, I'll hold the memories close to my heart.

Late Winter in the Garden

Winter is almost over, right? According to the calendar, it is anyway. After the mild winter we had last year, this more normal type winter has been discouraging. But we've had a few mildly pleasant days mixed in here and there, so the signs of spring are out there. I can make it! Whenever the little Siberian iris pop out, I know that the start of spring is almost here.

And soon the hellebores will open up. The flowers on these may not be the boldest in the garden, but they'll stay in bloom till July. That's a lot of bang for your buck. Plus the seeds will drop to the ground and sprout up everywhere. I love free plants.

I'm hoping that soon it will be time to buy and plant pansies. I'll know it's time when the flats of pansies show up in the garden center. In the meantime, I did find a few pots of these double pansies to hold me over.

Now when post people think of early flowers, they think of crocus. My crocus are usually about the third ones to arrive, and they should be here any day now. If somebody doesn't nibble them all!

That's about it. Just a few early blooms to hold me over till warmer days arrive. But I'm almost there!

A Color Fix

Over the winter, it's the colors of my garden that I miss the most. I do try to plan for winter interest in my garden, but the colors of winter interest are quite subtle. You just aren't going to see any vivid floral colors this time of year. But I did have a chance to soak up some local color with a trip to Mexico.

Recently, we were privileged to take a trip to San Miguel de Allende Mexico. It turned out to be an amazing visit! The weather was perfect, the company was enjoyable, the food was awesome, and the city was gorgeous. And the best part was the color!

Having this blast of color in the middle of winter was just what I needed. Winter has been dragging along interminably, so this trip came along just in time to keep my sanity.

It wasn't just the flowers that were so colorful.

The city itself was filled with color....

as were the skies.

By the time we returned home, it was nearly March. And you know what March means? Spring! No matter how cold it may be, I know that by the end of this month, spring will be here, at least in name.

And when I think I just can't take another day of winter, I'll look back at my pictures of Mexico, and relive all that color. It should hold me over until my spring flowers come back!

Winter Wears On

Winter is starting to wear me down, which is funny when you think that the end isn't too far away. But can I make it through the next month or so? Last year, I had Siberian iris blooming by the end of February, but I doubt we'll see that again this year. It's cold and snowy, day after day. Phooey.

 Still, hubby and I keep remarking on the nearness of spring. "Soon it will time to plant peas" I said today. "Won't be long till I'm out fertilizing the lawn" said hubby.

It means we have hope! Spring will come, eventually. Do you think I can hold on till then? Or will I burst out crying next time it starts snowing again?

I think the biggest problem is that it's so darned cold all the time. Oh I know. I should wear a sweater, and slippers, and sit with a blanket around me. Well, I do all of those things and I'm still cold! And what happens when you have to go out into the world? Brrrrr!

Well, I'll make it through, I always do. I have my seeds all ready to go, and the plans for this years garden are all swirling around in my head. I'll be taking my Master Gardener classes in the spring, so I am fully expecting to be really, really geared up for a big garden year. Becoming a Master Gardener also means I'll be out working on the community gardens around town to fulfill my volunteer obligation. But that won't feel like work to me.

So throw your worst at me Old Many Winter, I'm ready. But if you'd consider leaving early, I'd consider it a personal favor. Got it?

Swirling Sunset

My garden is still mostly asleep, so I decided to go back down to the pond for a winter sunset. This time, it was bitter cold, and the pond was frozen solid. It was just too cold to watch the sunset from anywhere but inside the car. I'd roll the window down, point the camera out, snap a shot, then quickly roll it back up again. I stayed for awhile this time, because the sunset slowly formed into a swirl as it set. I'll let the pictures tell the story from here.

Winter Sunsets

I am particularly enchanted by sunsets. Some will watch them when vacationing at the beach, but otherwise don't seem to notice the unfolding beauty. I've even been at the beach during a beautiful sunset, while others are casually leaving the scene without a backward glance. How do they do that?

Me, I seek out the sunset, where ever and when ever I can. I'm always looking for the perfect spot where I can enjoy the closing of the day. Generally, they seem to be better if they can be seen over a body of water, right? Well, there is a big pond right down the road, but because it's part of a wetland nature preserve, the access is limited. You just can't get on the right side of the pond to see the sun set in summer. But in winter, the sun sets right over the water, or ice as the case may be. Perfect.

Now it takes a little fortitude to enjoy the scene in winter. Yes, you can point your camera out the car window. But the best views require you to get out of the warm car, and brave the cold. And I do believe it is impossible to take a picture with gloves on.

Oh well, it doesn't matter. The sun is gone in a few minutes, then it's home to warm up. And of course I have the place to myself in winter.

So try it sometime. Enjoy a winter sunset. Enjoy any sunset! It's the marking of another beautiful day gone by. Isn't that worthy of our appreciation?