A week of freakishly warm weather, breaking some daytime records in the high 20s, has everything bursting. Along with a surprise visit from a rabbit, again!
Apple blossoms are starting to show on about a third of the tree. Moving two of them into more sun to see if they come alive with fruit.
Cool but sunny day. 5 feels like zero. At 16:30 it’s 12 degrees on the balcony. Signs of spring everywhere. Lilac buds are swelling, the catskins have shed most of their pollen, daffodil flower buds are showing, snow drops in bloom in paces I didn’t expect.
Moved another peony that has been trying to move out of the shade of the Sycamore by itself. Pruned the two burning bushes (I know) in preparation for my cedar backdrop.
I put up the summer compost basket to let the big one focus on finishing what’s already in it. Gave it a quarter turn. The mass of worms is impressive. And that earthy smell…
And it re-livens me.
Overall a very mild winter. Four snow storms and we were away for two of them. Actually it was a real Maritime winter, grey, rain and mild.
Started first seeds on March 19. Cabbage, basil, sesame, peppers and tomatoes of course (Premio, yellow pear, and big beef). As they say, “see above”. And started cucumber (marketmore), kale, calendula, cannabis, black-eyed Susan’s – for Ken and other pollinators.
Of course I’ve been puttering in the yard. Finally planted the raspberries I bought last year, or the year before. The larger variety had developed significant roots, so a bit of damage in the transplanting process. I can see it’s aggressive in my garden soil. Stay tuned.
So lots of bits. Prepping to move the columnar apples so the first hole meant moved a peony, digging up some ferns, digging out and disposing of day lilies, pruning dead wood on the lilac, elderberry, kiwis. I can’t believe how wonderful it makes me feel. Happy spring.
FarmerTO 