Apple blossoms against a spring sky.
It’s easy to forget that signs of spring actually appear in what we consider to be the middle of winter. Technically, December, January and February are the “winter months.” In reality, subtle changes begin to occur in January, so by the time spring officially appears in March, the spring rush is well on its way.
Volunteer lettuce among the strawberries.
In late December or early January, the snow geese begin to migrate north. This year, I actually heard the first flock on Christmas Day. The spring peepers (small tree frogs) start singing in January, with the first batch tuning up on January 20th this year. Killdeer showed up in the pastures on January 27th. Alder catkins were dangling from the trees by the Clear Pond on January 23rd, while the pussy-willows started blooming February 1. Daffodil leaves are now above ground and the chard I overwintered is starting to put out new growth.
Rain lilies. These leaves will grow until late spring, then disappear. Blossoms show up in August, rising out of bare earth.
The forsythia should be blooming any day now. Garlic and onion sets are green and growing well. Time to get the first spring crops like peas and lettuce in the kitchen garden, to start the whole cycle over again. Never mind the calendar, spring’s here.
Bee,
Another great encouraging post. Abigail Adams once told her husband John that he never took the time to wonder at the mundane. He remembered that after her passing as he pointed out a little wild flower to their youngest son. Encouragers teach us. Thank you.
From the Deep South, Blessings to you and Family,
Amy
Amy, thank you for your kind words. After a winter like this one, it’s nice to see these signs of spring.