Spring is in the air

        'Springtime is the land 
              awakening,
          The March winds are 
              the morning yawn.'
                          - Quoted by Lewis Grizzard
   

              

Trilliums

   It may be hard to believe but spring has arrived. Depending on where you live the snow is gone, the daffodils are blooming and the birds are busy building their nests.
   It's that time of year where we get teased by warm days and then hit again with cold days. But sure enough the warmer weather is on its way.

     I love this time of year because it really is to early to get out there and start digging in the dirt but it is a great time to think about what you want to do in the garden. You're gearing up with ideas swirling in your head but you still have time to flip through seed catalogues, scour your gardening magazines and decide what changes you want to make and what plants you want to try.

Sedum Autumn Joy

    I like to start by making a list of plants I'd like to try and changes I want to make. Sometimes I need to divide plants, move them or get rid of them altogether.
    It's also a good time to think about what you want to do with your planters if you have them. Planning ahead saves you time in the garden centre and also helps you avoid buying plants that you don't need or won't work in your garden. I don't know about you but if I don't have an idea of what I need I go in there and it's like a candy store, I want it all.
   So know your garden before you go. Do you have a colour scheme, are you working with shade or full sun. Think about the succession of bloom times allowing your garden to bloom all season. If you want to attract butterflies and birds think about the type of plants you will need.

Christmas rose

 
    This is also the time to get your birdhouses out, I actually put mine out about two weeks ago.  I have a container for yarn that I bought at the One of a Kind show. In the spring I fill it with colourful strips of yarn for the birds and if I'm lucky I will see it tucked in nest here and there around the neighbourhood. I didn't have any yarn last year so I used my garden twine, it's not as colourful but works just the same.
    Also, don't forget about your bird feeders and bird baths. This is the perfect time to clean them and fill them up.

Mourning Cloak

Yarn holder for nesting

   So even though the days may still seem a little cold and spring doesn't look that promising trust that it is just around the corner.  
   Use this time to plan and dream and before you know it you will have the sun in your face and your hands in the dirt.

   And just in case you are still in doubt I have already seen two of these beautiful butterflies along with ladybugs and bees.

    Happy Gardening!!