The Gift of Spring

I never cease to be amazed by the gentle unfolding of our West Coast spring season. Tiny crocuses bravely sport their bright yellow, magenta, white and even striped petals of paper-like delicateness, competing with the showy ornamental plum and cherry blossoms that leave no doubt in anyone's mind of spring's arrival. In my own back yard, the Star Magnolia brandishes pure white anemone blooms before the tree leafs out.

I've been out the past few days cleaning up last year's leftover oak leaves, pruning overgrown shrubs and dividing over-enthusiastic grasses. I lost a favorite shrub - Patty's Purple Hebe - over the winter, so I used that as an excuse (really, who needs one?) to visit my favorite nursery where I found a Daphne 'eternal fragrance'. Similar in size and color to Patty's Purple Hebe, it promises a crop of blooms lasting from early spring through to autumn.  I have a Winter Daphne now established, that's been blooming profusely throughout March and into this month. The fragrance of this shrub overtakes me every time I open the patio door or walk by. I picked a little twig and stuck it behind my ear to enjoy its scent for the day. I'm hoping the summer Daphne will produce a similar effect out front of the house, greeting visitors with its heady perfume.



I also purchased a Clematis Jackmannii to intertwine with my spring-blooming Clematis that's gotten a little messy, hence a clipping (even though it's not one that ought to be pruned back as it flowers in May - don't care, had to clean it up a bit). The Jackmannii will provide blossoms during the summer months, creeping up one side of the wooden archway and across to meet the climbing Lacecap Hydrangea from the other side. I'd been wanting to get a Jackmannii the last few years, just didn't get to it. Growing two different-season clematis together should keep the interest and color going until fall.

In the herb department, I bought some cilantro, which I love to eat, but have never had much luck growing. Either it wouldn't germinate, or it would grow tall and spindly, then go to seed. I'm going to plant it in a different location this time; a cooler spot in partial, not full, sun. We'll see how that works.

On the other hand, we ate fresh spinach just the other day...layered with a bechamel sauce, crab and sole, then baked. Very tasty! I still have some leftover kale in the garden from last year which I pick at.  I like it right off the plant - who needs a recipe? The spring chives are begging to be snipped into salads, scrambled eggs and potatoes.

I was so enthused at the garden center that I picked up several small plants (to add to my over-wintered geranium hanging basket) and brought them to the counter. Melanie (the helpful cashier) looked me in the eye and said, "You know these have to be inside for another month yet; you'll have to keep them indoors and water them.  You'll also have to pinch the tops to keep them full."

 "I guess I'm a little early, huh?" to which she replied. "I can put these back for you." What a nice lady!

Back at home, I planted the Clematis and the Daphne, and found a nice little spot for the cilantro. Not only is it therapeutic to dig around in the dirt, it's exhilarating to straighten up at the sound of eagles circling overhead or the cheerful chirping of tiny finches and sparrows as they flit from branch to branch.

When the weather is agreeable, gardening won't wait; everything else does.