How many million Aprils came
before I ever knew
how white a cherry bough could be,
a bed of squills, how blue
And many a dancing April
when life is done with me,
will lift the blue flame of the flower
and the white flame of the tree
Oh burn me with your beauty then,
oh hurt me tree and flower,
lest in the end death try to take
even this glistening hour..."
Spring flowers of my Korean pear tree
Although Spring comes on the calendar March 21 it has been Spring-like here in the Piedmont, N.C. off and on since February. How joyful it is to see Prunus Mume, or Japanese Apricot, blooming in late January , daffodils in late February, azaleas, in early March and Pear trees , dogwood, magnolias and cherries in late March. To me this is the land of eternal Spring. Bluebirds are busy building their nests in the boxes I put up, colorful Cardinals visit the feeders I installed for them. I am amused by the tiny little lizards that dart to and fro among the boulders they love in the garden. Frogs and turtles visit the little inground pool of water and butterflies and bees are out and about the few early flowers in search of nectar.
Having endured more than 40 Chicago winters I no longer think in terms of when Spring will come. Soon summer and its heat will arrive but then we had some pretty hot and humid summers in Chicago as well. Like the plants we have learned to endure and thrive.
Azalea blooming in the boulder garden.
This last month of March I planted evergreen Viburnum, azaleas, dogwood,cross vine , wildflower seeds, vegetables, contorted filbert, hostas, ferns and a moss garden. Walking around the garden I was surprised and delighted to find things emerging that I planted last year and thought was dead.
April is the month that marks the end of the freeze/frost date on the 15th and when gardening here begins in earnest. I look forward to continuing my plantings in the woodland , roadside, boulder , herb and vegetable garden.
You have done a lot. But I imagine as many other gardeners if something catches your eye you will find room to squeeze it in. Linda
ReplyDelete