buds plumping with color
immersed in the spring
April 15
The violets are here. I like to think they arrive as my birthday flowers each annual solar return. When I see these purple beauties with the complimentary yellow dandelions bursting open at the same time, I think back to the time in spring 2020 when I got the nudge at Forest & Flowers Retreat to grow flowers here. I also think of a message from the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer about goldenrod and asters, about the complimentary colors of purple and yellow in nature and lived reciprocity… more on that some other time!
April 16
He swims, I run. A glorious warm spring day. Meanwhile at home, Snapdragon and Larkspur seedlings are getting “hardened off“, a week long-ish prep from the comfort of the indoors (to where they really want to be). Moving outdoors soon.
April 17
Daffodil and tulip bulbs ordered for next year‘s blooms! I’m drawn to unique varieties with ruffles and soft colors. Of course I love yellow daffodils brightening the spring, but next year we’re making room for cream and blush tones. I’m also planting the ranunculus corms that I pre-sprouted over the last 2 weeks. Is it a little late? I hear they don’t do well when the weather gets too warm. I think I’ll try for earlier next year, but first time around here, so here we go.
April 18
The Pink Azaleas are blooming at Forest & Flowers Retreat. In the new garden beds I put up more fence and row cover hoops for the seedlings soon to be moved outside. New flower offerings available too!
April 19
Strange weather, surprising snow — cleansing though. So much water element. Notice where the snow line is on the trees? Fresh from the northwest. The pup and I circle through the woods between projects and emails… I’m sending invites for the local business gathering I’m hosting at the Retreat House for May (if you’re local and interested, please reach out so I can give you details).
April 20
The ground is very wet, but the Snapdragon seedlings look like they want want to expand outside their currently limitations. I consider the biodynamic gardening approach and decide that the combination of a waning moon (ideal for transplanting) and the moon in Aquarius on Saturday (a flower aligned day based on this air sign), that I’ll plant half today and will wait to plant the other half then — maybe the warm temperatures will dry the soil a bit too.
What are you noticing today in this season?
P.S. I sent out a one question survey to ask what folks are interested in experiencing at Forest & Flowers Retreat… click here if you’d like to take a moment and add you input. Much appreciated!