It’s been a typically Midwestern March this year. Hoodie weather one day, followed by short sleeves, followed by winter coat again. The severe winds last week caused power outages all over the region — at least three of my remote co-workers either had to rely on battery power and a Wi-Fi hotspot to continue working, or had to go completely offline until power was restored.
The early spring flora has been typical, as well, despite all the fluctuations in temperature. The tree peony pictured above is putting out some fat buds, despite being in generally poor health overall. I’m seeing the daffodils in the front garden start to show signs of blooming, and I definitely saw at least one Dutch iris in bloom yesterday in the back flowerbed. (I need to get more of those — they’re a welcome harbinger of spring every time I see them.)
This is the ever-so-brief window of Very Early Spring when the snow has melted and the temperature is tolerable enough to get out and do some cleanup before new growth emerges. I’ve been going out for at least a few minutes during my lunch break this past week to take care of things like cutting down volunteer trees, pulling up dead vines and weeds, and pruning away dead branches from perennials.
I can make a good amount of headway by just stepping outside at lunch. No agenda, just spend time outside. I found myself being especially productive after it had been raining and there was nowhere dry to sit and just enjoy the outdoors. 😄
Every year, my goal is to make my garden more sustainable for my benignly-neglectful gardening style. Fewer fussy plants, more natives, see what volunteer plants the local birds sow from other gardens. I try not to get disappointed in myself for not being a better caretaker; all gardens are a work in progress, and a learning experience.
I’m feeling optimistic this spring.