While I've had my share of bad winter and spring weather here in Chicago, it still isn't nearly as harsh as it's been at my mom Peggy's house in Northern Michigan. She's still patiently (??) waiting for the soil to get warm enough to get her plants in the ground. Just yesterday morning, there was yet another dusting … Continue reading Spring in Northern Michigan??
Category: General
Assessing Winter’s Damage
While most of the garden has burst forth finally, quite a few things have been mighty slow, while others have obviously not survived the winter. From what I've been hearing, everyone has suffered some loss in the garden from the long, cold, snowy winter. In comparison to some, I think I've fared pretty well since I didn't lose … Continue reading Assessing Winter’s Damage
The Race is On!
The race is on! Every year, I start to start seedlings and buy plants from various plant sales and trips to the nursery in anticipation of finally reaching that magical "last frost date" when I can finally start planting. Until then, the seedlings grow in self watering containers to reduce my ability to let them dry out (See … Continue reading The Race is On!
Coffee Grounds-What to do With Them?
I was getting coffee and picking up my bakery bread order last weekend at the local coffee shop. Next to the register was this bag of coffee grounds, just inviting me to take it home for the garden. While we're not huge coffee drinkers, we drink enough that there are a few handfuls of grounds headed … Continue reading Coffee Grounds-What to do With Them?
Spring Sedums
This winter was a particularly harsh one, so as new growth is starting I'm excited to see what has survived. Over the last few years, I've planted a number of sedums in hot dry areas that other plants have not fared well in. I also have almost too many Sedum "Autumn Joy" around the yard. … Continue reading Spring Sedums
An Unusual Visitor to Peggy’s Feeders
Over the last month or so, a male Ring-Necked Pheasant has taken up residence near Peggy's house in Michigan. He's been visiting the front porch feeder, enjoying the corn she's been putting out for him. Haven't seen a female yet, but maybe they're just shy. By the way, this is a view through the front … Continue reading An Unusual Visitor to Peggy’s Feeders
Spring Hyacinths
I'm one of those people who loves the smell of hyacinths. It's a strong scent, and like oriental lilies, people tend to either love it or hate it. Mine haven't come up in years outside, so every year when they finally show up in the grocery store, they start to show up in my kitchen. … Continue reading Spring Hyacinths
First Day of Spring in Chicago
As I came home from Northern Michigan on the first day of spring, it was clear I was heading south by the disappearance of snow and the warming temperatures. By the time I arrived home, my car thermometer had risen over 25° into the balmy 50's. Of course, my yard oddly always has the most … Continue reading First Day of Spring in Chicago
First Day of Spring in Northern Michigan
Happy First Day of Spring! Ok, a little late, but so is spring this year so I thought it was fine to still say it. I spent the last few days up in Northern Michigan with my mom where there are very few signs of spring yet. The sun is definitely a bit brighter in … Continue reading First Day of Spring in Northern Michigan
Peggy’s Snowflakes
With all the snow that Michigan has received this winter, my mom Peggy decided to try and make something fun out of it. On days that it was warm enough to endure being outside, she experimented with taking pictures of individual snowflakes and came up with some amazing shots. I've always heard that every … Continue reading Peggy’s Snowflakes