April 1

I'm not writing a gag here. I've enjoyed a few today, but my mind's not in it. And lately, my mind hasn't been much in writing, except in the most random fashion. There's too much going on. My evenings lately have been about savoring the fruits of my early spring labor. I've planted viburnum (spring bouquet) with the hopes they will grow into pleasant shrubs along the side yard. I've planted hydrangea in the backyard, with the hopes they will grace my backyard with some old-fashioned charm. I've planted coral bells with the hopes they will just settle in and spread out in a admirable fashion. I've trimmed, fertilized, burned, trimmed again. Everything is showing new growth. My blueberry bushes were given some serious TLC. They have responded with some of the best growth I've seen in a single season. Turns out, six years after planting them, I've just learned how I've been supposed to care for them. And then came the rains. Gentle, quiet rains, at least in my neighborhood. Some were not so lucky, getting windshield busting hail. Not here. Not in my backyard. All those roots got consistent gentle watering, and I hope they all dug in firmly to the pretty black compost I planted them in. I hope they are settling in. This evening, I found two buds on my "blood red" hydrangea. The autumn ferns that made it through the winter are starting to show signs of life. One of the plants is now perched above its bed of mulch. I remain hopeful that the other two will also lift their crowned heads off the ground and give the backyard a display. So hey, if you've got nothing better to do, pack your bags and come settle in with me. There's a lot of interesting activity going on here. I'd find things to keep you busy, but I'm good company. You could settle in too, just like my plants. Happy spring, everyone. --Laura