Garlic

All these rains must be mighty appealing to the garlic patch.. they’ve just taken off. Before we know it we’ll be picking scapes!

Garlic fields

Read Full Post »

Scentsational Solomon

Perfuming the garden.. Solomon seal

Read Full Post »

First Picked

Yummy! First picked from asparagus patch. Grilling it along with some swordfish tonight! 😋

Read Full Post »

First Hummer

… timing is everything… and just in time for Mother’s Day!

First Hummer of summer

Read Full Post »

Budding Up

Finally!!! My lilacs are finally beginning to swell up. With all the rains we have been having I think they are going to be spectacular this year. 😊

Lilac buds

Read Full Post »

N.H. Quince

Lovely quince readying to flower

When I moved to Maine from N.H. I brought with me 150 perennials to plant here. These salmon quince made the list. Needless to say, I not only delight in the gorgeous salmon-pink display each Spring, but also the hummers adore it, and its shelter for the chickadees, finches, and even the wrens. May Day was my birthday and for the first in many years that I can recall… we never saw the sun. These flowering quince outside my kitchen window was indeed a cheerful sight to celebrate the day.

Quince blossom

And then in the fall I’ll make jars and jars of quince jam until I run out of jars.. we enjoy it so much here.

Pretty snazzy… in spite of all the heavy rains.

Read Full Post »

In the Greenhouse

Everything is thriving and I’m running out of space. If these warm days continue, much will be set outdoors earlier than ever! Last night I spotted this little speckled fellow under one of the benches checking everything out. The vernal pools have been so active this year and the amphibians have been on the move. I like her spots. I’m keeping my eyes open watching for the turtles to begin nesting in the gardens again.. so far, none.. but they are on their way!

Spotted salamander

Basils

Some chocolate mints

Mojito mint

Thyme

Read Full Post »

Memory of Dad

When Dad passed away I was given an arrangement with an African violet in it. I’ve continued propagating from that same one lone plant.. many offspring. This way I continue to be reminded of him and his love.

Read Full Post »

Pink Moon Rising

Just beginning to rise last night

Happy full pink moon! Typically in our neck of the woods, the full moon in May carries the last chance of frost, but when the full Moon arrives in late April, it frequently marks the same. And because spring can be fickle, there is a long history of looking to botanical indicators like the dogwood blooming, or when oak leaves grow to the size of a mouses ear to insure safe planting. This moon can offer a safe time to plant your cold tolerant greens and herbs like borage, calendula, fennel, spinach, greens, kales, collards and the like.

And don’t forget to get out tonight along with the peepers and celebrate the full Moon and the true arrival of Spring.

Early greens that were started under the hoop. Peas just beginning to climb… carrots, chard, and beets sown yesterday… once the wind died down.

Read Full Post »

Earth Day

Happy Passover and Earth Day!

Earth Day arrives in a season of renewal to remind us, one birdsong, one summit, one seed, one back yard to the next…
that we are all stewards of common ground.
Happy Earth Day

Read Full Post »