Before we dig in the soil, we dig into books!

As some of my garden friends know, I was ready to shop at the garden centers this week. Crazy! Mid-February in Cincinnati is a tad early. But one thing I can do is visit my garden plots at the park to get a feel for what made it through the winter and get a better feel of the new garden area for the forthcoming Medieval Garden. And of course, read more garden books!! (Yes, two exclamation points, I am that excited!)

This is about what I would do if I still had my own yard. I would head out in the morning, coffee in hand, and look for those first signs of life and note plants that needed to be evicted while creating a running list of plants that I may want to add to the garden plan.  What is different this year is I am planning a Medieval Garden. I thought it would be interesting to learn about a period of history and how people gardened in that time. I studied Medieval history for a while when I started college, more years ago than I want to admit. Needless to say, gardens and plants were not part of the class discussions. 

While the threat of snow still lingers, forecasted for next week- blahhhh-- I will read about Medieval plants, make my wish list and find the nurseries around me that carry said plants.

Spring is Arriving- With Baby Steps

I went to the park this weekend, inspired by the warmer days and sunshine. I was on a mission to find early signs of spring. I was not alone. The park was buzzing with activity, which is very nice to see after the quieter days of winter. With camera in hand I set out to find some spring blooms.  As the ice and snow crunched underfoot, I kept my eyes trained on the beds, searching for the tiniest signs of new garden life.

I think I could have searched all day. The sun, the sound of people, especially the kids, playing in the park and the warm breeze was wonderful. As nice as the day was, I was starting to think I had jumped the gun a bit in my search for the early spring garden.  But at last I spied some new growth waking up beneath the leaf litter in my garden. 

Lenten Roses in my shade garden- Putting Down Roots II. I carefully pulled away the leaf litter to reveal early signs of growth.

This is what we look for, yes?

Those early shoots- our sign that yes, we will be playing in our gardens very soon.

Ahhh, at last, spring flowers. Snow drops emerge just in time to say farewell to the last remnants of snow.

Winter Aconite- a harbinger of spring.

Could this be daffodils? Not sure so I will have to check back soon to see what develops.