The Gentle Tug of Spring

The slightest bit of rain and the African Iris perennials burst out with bloom. Last week, the first we've had in too long, was too slight *sigh*and no more on the forecaster's horizon any time soon but the Irises responded in step with their character.

We are very thankful the goldfinches visit the south for a few months. What a delight their sweetly-voiced chorus is to my ears. Perching in the branches of the oaks and gathering by the dozen at the feeders they entertain me while working.

The males are just beginning to get their bright yellow feathers. This year they are eating the sunflowers as much (or more) as the thistle. hmmm... they've not done that before.

Signs of Spring Are All Around

Brown oak leaves have fallen to the ground gifting me with lots of good mulch and new, lime green leaves have pushed out filling in the very high branches.

Isn't spring just the most fascinating time of year!?
What better way to greet the refreshing change in the earth and glorious days of spring than in the garden!

Every growing thing is signaled that it's time to come out and there's no stopping the natural circle of life.

Spring calls and every living thing answers.

Our typcial spring is a smooth transition from winter. Really not much change except maybe faster growth rate, longer days, the arrival of the goldfinches, and much warmer afternoons ... but nothing else too drastic.

This spring we are noticing the changes more than ever.

After two hard freezes in January randomly leveling parts of the garden we are as eager as my northern gardening friends to see restoration and revival in the garden.

And It Is Beginning!

The day the Lord created hope was probably

the same day he created Spring. ~Bern Williams

Xanadu, once 3 and 4 feet tall and the ground not visible for lushness of leaves, for the first time ever, were stripped completely naked of foliage after the freezing frosts. Already they are working very hard with spring's push to be fully clothed again.

Like this.

Snowbush

In just the last two weeks new growth on just about everything is responding to spring's gentle tug. Tiny shoots at every notch are bursting on the scene.

It was only a few days ago there wasn't a hint of green on this very large split leaf philodendron. Today their giant leaves appear almost awkward standing sentinel in singular form. As spring growth would have it, it won't be long and there won't be a view to the neighbor's yard through the trunks.

Firebush

Lantana

One lone unfurling branch on the Australian fern.

Every single one of its fronds were removed and only the trunk left after frost damage. (Yes, that's a golf ball behind it . I just this second noticed it. The little one was playing while I was snapping photos. Or I should say, I was snapping photos while the little one was playing.)

Confidence is growing that it will return to its stately position (photo from December 2008) very quickly with spring's assistance.

American Beauty Berry


Last, but absolutely not least, are the sprouts already popping out of the ground as spring warms the earth in the vegetable garden. Growth is happening so fast now there is visible change from morning's first peek at the garden to the evening walk through.

Is spring calling where you are? If not, it won't be long. No matter where you are, no matter how long your winter lasts, spring is guaranteed to follow. One day you will see the slightest little tug on a branch ... new growth ... and you will know it is well on its way!

It's only a matter of time.

In the spring, at the end of the day,

you should smell like dirt. ~Margaret Atwood