Plum Blossoms

I thought this photo of a wild plum might be a more interesting spring picture than the typical tulips and daffodils (though I may add those later).  At least I think it's a wild plum.  We didn't plant it, though I suppose it could have been planted by a human before us.  More likely, a squirrel did the honors.  Thank you, squirrel, because I like the fruits (if I get any before you devour them). With the rain and the warmer temps, everything is popping open at once. Obvious statement of the day: I like spring!

Siberian Squill

On days like today, I wish I didn't have to go to work.  I like my job, so that makes it easier.  The temperature is in the 60s F, the sun is warm, and the breeze is light...perfect gardening weather.  This is pretty late for my Scilla to bloom, but they look great.  They are quite tiny, barely above the grass (see the photo that shows I have to rake my yard).  The close-up photo shows their delicate blue flowers.  Pollinators have been enjoying their blossoms as much as I have.

A Tale of Two Seasons

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...that's April in Minnesota.  Sure, the season is officially spring, but winter does not go gently (sorry, mixing literary references).  Here are the photos that prove our crazy weather.

snowing--April 18-19

melting--April 22

snowing--April 23

melting--April 28

blooming! April 28

No sitting on the porch yet

Because of all the wind, I am not sure how much snow we have.  In one place I measured almost 12 inches.  Also, the temperature has dipped. It says 24 F on the thermometer below.  So I won't be sitting on the porch anytime soon.

P. S.  For a look at my garden, visit Richmond Library (Minnesota) on Monday at 6:30 pm where I'll be presenting.   

 

Guest Blog Appearance

A special thanks goes to Natalie Rotunda for her invitation to be a guest on her blog.  You can read it here.  http://theorganicpantry.wordpress.com/2013/03/21/yes-you-have-time-to-garden-by-linda-larson/ It was a fun piece to write since it got me thinking about spring.  Ah, spring.  With high temperatures currently ten degrees below normal, I think we're all ready for some warmer weather.  This photo of forget-me-nots is a reminder of the warm days ahead. 

It's not spring yet

But I dream of warmer temperatures and the first spring flowers, like this Siberian squill from a different spring. Somewhere under the ice, the bulbs are ready to grow.  In book news, I had an interview over at the Albany Enterprise office with Emily Gruenke.  She is writing a piece about my garden and books for the March 31 Home and Garden edition of the Shopper.  Shameless plug--be sure to pick up a copy! Here's their website http://www.albanyenterprise.com/

My New Gardening Book!

First, I want to thank all you who have been loyal readers of my blog and those of you who have been so supportive of my writing.  This book could not have happened without you.  I truly appreciate the kind words.

Though the title says one year, this book has been years in the making.  After many ups and downs and lots of hard work, my book is now available. (Insert happy dance here!) Click on this blog's page "A Year in My Garden" for a description.

It is available here now.  https://www.createspace.com/4158226

Here is the amazon link.  https://www.amazon.com/author/llarson

I wish that the paper version wasn't so pricy, but full color and paper are expensive.  Yet the e-book is more affordable.  Here are the prices: 

ISBN print 978-0-9889467-1-2 $25.95

ISBN e-book 978-0-9889467-0-5 $4.95