Of Spring and Gardens and All Things Botanical

[PepperFritz]

It's been a beautiful, sunny and balmy spring day here in Southwestern Ontario, and spring fever has struck our household. Thought I'd start a thread for all the gardeners, herbalists and nature-lovers on the forum to talk about their spring activities.

Our daffodils are just beginning to bloom, and the Weeping Pussy Willow tree is heavy with great big fat catkins. The Spotted Laurel, Coral Bells, Day Lilies, and Cat Mint are just starting to come up. And my early-planted Pea bed is now sprouting seedlings 3 inches high. Lettuce, Spinach, and Basil seedlings having been growing nicely indoors under lights, and I had them out today in the glorious sunshine, to start their hardening off. Have dug the front and back beds, and built a new brick wall around the back bed.

The herbal tinctures and teas I made last summer/fall (Mullein, Yarrow, Feverfew, St. John's Wort, and Motherwort) were well used over the winter and should last until fresh plants are available. Have been out exploring various wild areas with the dogs, and am very happy to report that I've discovered several new colonies of Mullein, the flowers of which will be available for harvest late this summer.

It's been a long, cold winter, and it's so wonderful to have all the windows and doors open again, letting in the fresh air. The dogs have already been swimming in the local river, and our cat Fritz brought home his first mouse of the season a few days ago.

How is YOUR spring going?

 

[Ca.]

nice........! ;D

 

[Johnno]

Well it's autumn down in the southern hemisphere which I tend to enjoy. It's been a pretty hot summer this year so for me, it's a relief to get the cooler nights!

The crab apple at my front door is dropping leaves, maples are turning wonderful warm hues and I have my spring bulbs ready in the refrigerator crisper. Roses will need their annual prune soon.

 

[Buddy]

How is YOUR spring going?

We've had 3 days of very severe thunderstorms and flash-flooding activity, followed by one clear day and then, today, a storm brought a thick layer of quarter and golf-ball size hail that demolished all the beautiful flowers in bloom.
The day that was clear was so gorgeous that I felt privileged just to be alive and see such beauty. :)

 

[Third_Density_Resident]

Well like Johnno, it's autumn for me also, though since I live in SE Queensland, our autumns tend to be very mild affairs, though definitely cooler than the summer months.

Pepperfritz, as a keen gardener living in a warmer climate, those daffodils make me drool -- I tried to grow those where I am, and while they always bloom the first season, it's just not cold enough (despite getting several frosts) where I am to get them to flower in subsequent years. So the only Narcissus I now grow successfully are the jonquils (some of which I believe can't be grown in places that are too cold).

I'll post some pictures in the coming months as certain winter-flowering things come to life. Given that we've just experienced out wettest April in many years (and we're only 6 days into the month), with some areas receiving in excess of 400 mm (or about 12 inches) of rain, the gardens this year 'round should look pretty spectacular!

 

[Beorn]

Well it's autumn here but the Magpies sing a lovely tune every morning and the Rhododendrons look fantastic(below)

_http://img25.imageshack.us/my.php?image=backyard001.jpg

 

[treesparrow]

The daffodils (the national flower of Wales) are also out in my garden and they have orange centres. I don't know what variety they are called though.

In this part of the world, Europe and the UK, the traditional harbingers of Spring are usually regarded as the call of the Cuckoo or the sight of a swooping swallow. For me though, the turning point is announced by the song of another common migrant - the willow warbler. I recently heard its sweet, wistful and plaintive song a few days ago, it always seems so full of hope to me (a bit anthropomorhpic I know). As with other bird song it does make a refreshing change from human voices wailing about love, politics, the state of the world and all the rest of it.

Audio available here -http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/w/willowwarbler/index.asp

 

[Z...]

The herbal tinctures and teas I made last summer/fall (Mullein, Yarrow, Feverfew, St. John's Wort, and Motherwort) were well used over the winter and should last until fresh plants are available.

Hi Pepperfritz, was wondering what technique do you use to make herbal tinctures.
Do you get mother tincture in the end ( one that can be diluted several times) ? If you don't mind sharing your recipee I'd appreciate

How is YOUR spring going?

The atmosphere from your post reminded me of careless and blissful days of springs of my childhood and youth.
Seems like there are no such springs any more, at least where I live. We jump straight from the winter into the summer.
This year seems even worse as we are still suffering from very cold temperatures and winds although its almost Easter. There is a funny haze in the skies and something ominous in the air. This ominous feeling was justified yesterday with news of earthquake in nearby Italy that killed more then 150 people...
My spring is very funny I'd say

 

[Renaissance]

I've had this cactus for years. This spring is the first to bloom its stunning flowers:

 

[Gimpy]

To Los: What a beautiful cactus! I love the color.

How is YOUR spring going?

Spring here's been rocky this year. Last year's winter was very mild, and we went right to summer-like temps quickly.

Not so this year. Our daffodils and blue bells (my fav flower) scented the air for a few days before the cold snaps came in. Today we have a freeze warning.

I did get some pics of the crocus's as they came up, but didn't get a chance to get pics of the blue bells. They may be done before the weather turns. (Drat)

One of my favorite sights is a woods filled with bluebells and iris blooming.....it always brings a smile. :)