Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Rain down on me

It’s raining, it’s pouring
The old man is snoring

Bumped his head on the top of the bead
And couldn't get up in the morning


[blurry pic of Heuchera 'Plum Royale' gleaming in evening rain]

Yes! We have rain and I am so happy to see it. As I look at the fragile, hopeful chartreuse blush of the trees, I am chanting, “Please rain, please rain”. The trees in our city are terribly drought-stressed, the soil is so dry that the earth is contracting around peoples homes, causing the foundations to shift. Every day when I cross the river valley on my morning commute, I wince when I see the haggard trees on the south-facing bank that just aren’t even able to put out more than a few leaf buds this year. We have already been deep soaking our mature trees. But there is nothing like dear Mother Nature sending steady rains our way to sweeten the earth. I love the sound of it on the roof when I am in bed at night and the smell of it in the morning air.

Mother Nature, rain down on me. I’ll put on my dancing shoes.


A beautiful song from Canadian band Blue Rodeo's 1992 album Lost Together.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

What's all the Ruckus!

All the honking of late should have warned me...the party was on!



I went out to the garden for some peace, but the festive signs were even evident there. Something is stirring things up!



Some residents even had a "glow" on. Now what could they be up to?



I think everyone is getting just a little flighty these days!



And, I am sure I have even heard a robin singing just out of sight. Could it be? Has Spring, with her giddy entourage, finally taken command of the season? Well then, let's get this party started!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

The New Spirit

There is a certain wistfulness to the season right now. Spring is nudging her shoulder against the trees and and beaming down on the soil. Easter, no matter how your recognize it, really encompasses that spirit of renewal and hope for a new season, better and brighter than the last. That's why we plan, we plant and we delight in seeing our gardens come to life once again.

Hope your Easter was wonderful!