Spring-like weather

With a week ahead of lovely spring-like days, it's hard not to be enthusiastic about gardening of all sorts.

We certainly have cold days ahead, and frost, too, but what a gift to have a week of great weather, after a winter full of cold and snow (at least by our standards in the Southestern US).

There are cool-season greens to sow (racing against the bolting stimulated by longer days) and native trees, shrubs, and perennials to think about (as well as the hardy and well-behaved non-natives).

But there are also warm-season veggies to start in our warm greenhouses, or above a heating mat -- tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and tomatillos, not to mention a host of other plants that enjoy a head start on spring.

Cool spring days

The last cool days of spring are welcome, with summer's heat coming soon. The crystal skies of the weekend gave way to clouds and showers this afternoon, with a bit of a nip in the air. We'd be glad of a 'chill' in the summer!

But it's time to enjoy sitting out on the porch, and enjoying the green lushness of spring, before crispy bits appear, from summer drought.