Probably the most asked gardening question this time of year
is how soon can I start.
We all get spring fever.
Wanting to dig up something
or plant something.
I have followed the same schedule for years
decades really.
“If by the middle of March the 15 day forecast looks good
Let the fun begin.”
And it’s worked.
I’ve saved myself from doing lots of damage over the years
Until this year.
After this remarkably warm winter
Everything is ahead
way ahead.
I have tulips blooming on St. Patty’s day ahead!
St. Patty's Day Tulips
Which I guess means I’m behind.
But I’m not going to think like that.
I’m going to pace myself
So today I broke out my friendly leaf sucker and began.
John had placed the blanket of chopped leaves and grass
on my garden last fall.
Now it must come off
and head to the compost pile.
But first I dug up the end of last year’s leaves fully composted and
spread them around my little “hill”.
This rich remnant of leaves has been home to worms the size of small snakes.
Three wheel barrows full are now enriching the heretofore ignored east end of my garden.
The hole this created has been filled with the contents of one side of my composter
and an endless pile of chopped leaves.
The beginning of the next batch.
A friend sent me a Lenten devotional about composting.
It says that the metaphor of compost is fitting for Lent.
From death comes life.
It’s true .
In gardening.
In life.
Gail
P.S. The Redbuds are lighting up this part of the world.
In My Garden 