Spring is here!

Sure, there might be a few more snow flurries in April and some cold and windy days ahead of us, but for the most part, it is finally SPRING! And that means digging in the dirt with my bare hands!

Here is a tip for anyone who forgot to plant daffodils and tulip bulbs last fall. You can buy them now in containers, ready to plant and in full bloom—instant color and rewards in your flower garden with just a little bit of fuss. The only hard thing about this is deciding what, how many, and where to plant them! I tend to go a little overboard.

I also love to watch for my shy violets. I know they are invasive, but the delicate little flowers in purple or white remind me of my childhood, and thinking fairies lived near them. I still believe that. Also, I don’t have to mow that area of my yard, and the bunnies seem to appreciate that.

Lilies of the Valley also remind me of spring; they pop up here and there in my flowerbeds yearly. I tried planting them in certain areas of my garden, but God has other plans for them, so I enjoy their lovely fragrance wherever they appear.

I have started my zinnias and bachelor buttons from seeds, so they are ready to transplant AFTER Mother’s Day. One year I did plant some petunias a week before Mother’s Day, and wouldn’t you know it, there was a spring freeze a few days after I dug in the dirt! Mom always told me to wait until then, but I thought I knew better.

I will plant a few tomatoes in containers this year and add some Marigolds around the bottom for a pop of color while I wait to harvest the tomatoes later this summer. I have a plan in my mind of how that area of my yard will look. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!

I have several peony bushes in my yard, and I have to say, they are my favorite flowers, just don’t tell the others! I have shades of white, pink, burgundy, and yellow. I wish the blooms would last longer, but when they are here, I take full advantage of them with lovely bouquets scattered around my house.

And did I mention lilacs? I wouldn’t say I like the maintenance of the bushes when they get too old, but their lovely scent makes up for the work people must put into them.

So here’s to Spring and your favorite flowers! Did I mention irises?