Too Much Rain

The wild raspberries are looking good this year. With their pretty white flowers, they do double duty--beauty and food.  Alas, the clouds have dumped rain on us, and parts of the lawn are submerged (see below).  I haven't been able to mow parts of the lawn yet this year.  Clay soil holds water, that's for sure.  I'm extra glad I have raised beds for my garden.  And even with the raised beds, some plants are struggling.  Too bad we can't share our extra water with drought-stricken areas.

Bees on Trees

Before the heavy weekend rains, I stood under my apple trees and listened...to the hum of bees.  As they pollinated the trees, I watched, wondering how many there were to make such a buzzing sound.  For the nervous bee-watcher, if you leave them alone, they'll leave you alone. Below is a photo of my lovely lilacs from last Wednesday.  I wish they bloomed all summer.

Proof That Spring Exists

With all of our wet. cool weather with only the occasional warm and sunny day, I thought this is the perfect opportunity to show that spring has indeed arrived. Here's proof--The mourning dove sits on a nest filled with eggs (photo above). These photos were taken over several days, and compared to other years, this is a late spring. The photos are crocuses, a daffodil (middle) and rhubarb (below).  

A Study of Squill

Okay, this isn't my first post about this. I love to brag about  my Scilla, or Siberian squill because people think I'm a genuis gardener since not even the crocuses are blooming yet.  Here's the secret-- I planted the bulbs in the fall. (See the October 2010 previous post for how.) Though they look delicate, these bulbs are extremely hardy, having survived a heavy snow fall already.  The flowers are one of a few kinds that are considered a true blue.  

The above photo is a close-up of the nodding flower.  The photo below is an attempt to see the underside of the flower, where the pollen attracts insects.  

Compared to the oak leaves in the photo below, the squill are small.  I've planted them in clusters in the lawn, off to the side, where they won't get trampled.  Once the grass-like leaves turn yellow, I'll mow over them. In July, I'll forget their location...until next spring. 

It's Spring, Darn It

Blue sky?  Check.  Chucking the winter coat?  Check.  Hubby grilling?  Check.  Then it's spring.  I don't care that just a few days ago we had heavy, wet snow.  (See below.)  It's spring, darn it.  

Spring and Upcoming Talk

It's officially spring.  Hmmm.  What the calendar says and what the weather does here in Minnesota are two separate things.  If you live nearby and want a taste of spring, please visit me Saturday, March 29, at St.  Michael Library at 10:30 am.  I'll give organic gardening tips and show photos of my garden.  Hope to see you there! 

I'd invite you to my house...

This photo says it all.  (How many more days until spring?)