Of Gardeners Great & Small...

First, my apology to James Herriot, who authored the "All Creatures Great & Small" books, for bogarting his title idea. I LOVE his books and if you haven't read them, you've missed a delightful experience!

Although we have had both very nice and very cold (for us) weather here in Northern California, we are now enjoying the warm-up that comes with Spring. With that, come the wildflowers. As I walked to the garage yesterday morning, I glanced across the lawn and the site of the Lupine struck me! Only the Great Gardener could have sown such a wonderous sight! The irrigation ditch that snakes through our property is fairly natural looking, discounting the galvanized crossing pipe, although it is man-made. I could never have done such a beautiful job of lining the banks in purple majesty, nor would I have thought to...

Bush Lupine

Every where I look, there are blooms popping up! These yellow flowers, which I haven't identified yet, are all over the property.

Even walking across the lawn, to the edge where the mower can't reach, yields small discoveries! These little beauties are nestled in the taller fringes.

I am sure wildflowers are a sign that God loves us! With no effort on our part, we are given such beauty to welcome Spring!

As for a gardener of the "small" variety, I planted the Iris pictured below in the bed by my front porch. I have 7 or 8 iris there, but only 3 are blooming, so far. The pink is named for Beverly Sills. I have lost the tags for both the two-toned blue & white one, so I can't provide their names. But they are lovely, even if anonymous!

Chris

Spring Days

Although today we are supposed to have showers, the weather in Northern California has been beautiful for the last week! The temps have been in the uppers 60's to 70 degrees, and that is just fine with me! Just about perfect I'd say.

Last weekend I was in my frame/craft shop making cards. The soft and warm spring-like weather inspired me to make this little banner with the leftover scraps. It is hanging above my computer monitor to remind me that even if Spring isn't officially here yet, it is just around the corner!

After speaking to my cousin Terri in Columbus, Ohio, I think I need to send her one that says "Hurry Spring!". They have been dealing with the "100-year Snowfall" and I don't envy them one bit!

Also responding to the spring weather are the Spanish Lavender and Freesias. When I planted the lavender, I moved some freesia bulbs. Obviously, I didn't get them all! I love the way the bright yellow blooms are entwined with the lavender. It really is time to get out into the garden and get my hands dirty! The storms in January blew mulch and weed block fabric out of place. I have weeds in places they've never been! I'd better get at 'em before they take over...

Now where are my gardening tools?

~Chris~