A last look at Spring

Summer arrives this week, so I figured to share some images I have shot around the yard during the season in Eldersburg. Everything is green and the flowers are in bloom, but earlier in the spring the trees, like dogwood and apple were also in bloom. The cat sits in the window and watches the chipmunks, squirrels and birds visit the bird feeder. There doesn't seem to be as many bees and butterflies this year. The garden has enjoyed the spring as we have been eating broccoli, onions, lettuce, spinach and swiss chard since around May 1. Now we are waiting for the first tomatoes of summer.

Visiting the Garden

This week I got a surprise as the potatoes have broke the ground and are reaching for sunshine. The other veggies I have planted are doing well. The biggest need is for some rain. It would be nice to see some of those April showers that bring May flowers. The onions are tall and green. I can taste them just looking at them. One thing I have to do is get in the garden with the hoe. The weeds are starting to grow also. It wouldn't be long before Shirley and I are eating a salad from the garden. I started the second planting of lettuce this week as I plant two or three times, so we can eat lettuce for over a month.The cool nights have been good for the crops I have planted. I have included one image of one of the first blossoms on the apple tree. Last year only one blossom appeared on the tree and this year it looks like it will be different. I plan to keep you updated during the growing season.

Planting Time

Yes, it is early to plant, but this year has been anything but normal. It has been warm by Maryland winter standards. Snow has been something we have seen on TV from other parts of the country. I usually aim to plant my early crops on March 17. I turned part of the garden over on Monday and planted some seeds on Tuesday. I have never planted in February before, but there is a first time for everything. I planted onion sets, peas, Swiss chard and spinach this week. I love green onions and the peas are snow pods. The grandchildren and Shirley really enjoy the pea pods. Things are popping out all over the yard. I saw the maple trees in bloom this morning and at the end of last week the crocus were in bloom and the daffodils are getting ready to open. Yesterday I saw the peonies were breaking through the ground. I will take the roto-tiller back to the garden in a couple of weeks because I aim to plant potatoes on March 17. I don't expect the ground to freeze at this time and the seeds I planted like it cool. I will probably plant broccoli in two weeks.

Garden and Spring Weather

The calendar says it's Spring, but look out the window and Mother Nature is saying not yet. I thought I posted this earlier, so sorry for the senior moment. I got my Spring plants and seeds in the ground before Old Man Winter made a return. We got a trace of snow Sunday and I made a trip around the yard. The lawn ornaments had a coating of ice in them, which was sprinkled with snow flakes.There were a few flakes on a tulip leaf and the vehicles had a dusting of white.  I liked the reflection on the windshield with the snow flakes. I shot the front and back windows as both offered different looks. The forecast for the next two days is rain and snow.