Nesting and Hellebore

                                                  "Hark I hear a robin calling!
                                                 List, the wind is from the south!
                                               And the orchard-bloom is falling
                                                 Sweet as kisses on the mouth."  

                                                                   -Lucy Maud Montgomery,
                                                                       "Spring Song"


  It's a sure sign of spring when the widows are open and you are waking up to a symphony of birds. Spring, a time of rebirth, the miracle of life is all around us, especially in our gardens. Flower beds that look dead suddenly spring to life and the wildlife all around is procreating. With some sunshine, water and a little patience (okay sometimes a lot) the plants that looked dead suddenly are bursting with color, brightening up our gardens once again.

Shade garden

Phlox and Primrose

Japanese weeping cherry

  I have a robin who has decided that the lining of my flower basket is the perfect material for a nest. The lining is old so I really don't mind and I have to agree, it is great nesting material. He came back several times over a couple of days so there is no doubt I will need a new liner. I think I've made his job easier since he didn't have to search for materials elsewhere.
 Now if I only knew where the nest was I could see the finished project.
 My pictures are a little foggy looking but I was taking them through the window.

  I have been out in the garden the past few days trying to clean out the beds and get cages around anything that needs it. I was away last week and can't believe how quickly everything is growing. It almost seems as if we skipped spring and went straight to summer. Not that I'm complaining but I do love that gradual flow of spring to summer. The fresh smell of the air, the mornings where you still need a sweater but can sit with your coffee and enjoy the sun like a warm blanket.

  While I was away I went plant shopping with my mother and sister. As usual I managed to buy more than what I really needed but I believe that if you really like a plant you will find a place for it.
I was happy because I found a variegated variety of Sea Holly. I had been looking for Sea Holly last year, finding a variegated one was a bonus. I was also very excited when I found a Hellebore (Christmas Rose) at Independent. They had their spring planters for $24.99, it had two Hellebore's in it with  two pansies and  three English Daisies. What a find, thank-you Independent. I also bought some perennials native to Ontario, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, False Solomon's Seal, a Purple Trillium, Hepatica and Giant Blue Lobelia. This should fill in my one shade garden nicely. Never underestimate your local grocery store's garden centre.

Hellebore

  It is supposed to rain over the next few days so hopefully I will be able to finish my clean-up and get the rest of my new plants in the ground before that happens. I think this has to be the earliest I've ever planted, I usually play by the rule of nothing before the May 24 week-end. But the sun is shining, the birds are nesting and spring is in the air. So I will break the rules and hope you will too.
  Happy Gardening!