Tangled Branches: Cultivated
happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Good Day in the Garden
Yesterday was one of those days I wish I could save up for later. I had the whole day to myself in the country.
It was mostly sunny with just a few clouds. It was just warm enough to be pleasant, but not too warm for working in the garden. I basked in the sun. Really I was weeding, but it felt like basking.
The frogs were singing. So were the birds, but the frogs were louder and more insistent.
I saw two butterflies - first of the season. They were busy and so was I, so I didn't go chasing them to see who they were. One was orange on top like a Painted Lady and the other was white like a Cabbage White. Probably was a Cabbage White.
The garlic is up and growing despite being trodden upon by the deer. The shallots, which I had almost given up on, are sprouting. Spinach, and a few lettuce plants, survived the entire winter under a floating row cover.
I chopped fresh herbs - parsley, garlic leaves, lemon thyme, and radish sprouts - and sprinkled them with abandon on my lunchtime soup.
While digging up a bed to plant radishes and salad greens, I found two potatoes from last year. In perfect condition. Except for the one I cut in half with the spade.
The newly planted (last December) crocuses are blooming. The tulips made it through the winter without being eaten. I wonder if they'll make it through the spring.
I took a lot of pictures in the morning, but haven't uploaded yet. Maybe later today. If you're looking for me, I'll be in the garden.
Labels: bulbs, butterflies, herbs, potager, potatoes, seasons
7 Comments:
That sounds like a lovely and satisfying garden day!
That sounds wonderful - I'm so jealous!
Nicole: I think we all deserve a day like that now and then - if only we could just order one up when we need it.
MMD: I hope your warm days are on the way - it's been such a long winter there (but you already know that). Hang in there!
Oh my, I wish I were there.
I grew up in Northern Virginia and one of the things I miss the most is the gorgeous springs. The early spring croci (sp?) sometimes under the snow (back when it regularly snowed down there), followed by the tips and eventually happy faces of the daffodils. And let's not forget the cherry blossoms!
Lovely blog you have here. See you again soon.
XXKHT
p.s. and thank you for allowing Name/URL comments! I can't tell you the trouble I've had with google/blogger sites!
Kimberly: Thanks for stopping by! You moved from NoVA to Vermont? Brrrr....
I really appreciate the long spring season in Virginia, having come from the Midwest where spring is one day between winter and summer. Or so it seems.
So glad you had this day...and I hope you get many more! I hear garlic greens are quite tasty. Your soup sounds yum (whatever kind it was) with the addition of such super fresh ingredients. Did you use the potatoes, too?
Here's to more perfect days...and enough rain in there to keep everything just right!
Gotta Garden: The soup was um, er, store-bought butternut squash soup from Trader Joe's. The fresh herbs brightened it up a lot. I cooked the potatoes the next day with some of the spinach - been meaning to write it up on my food blog, so you've given me a nudge in that direction.
I'm hoping for an inch of rain every week this summer ;-)
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