Sunday, May 5, 2013

~SPRING ROUND UP~

I have great empathy to those of you who are still enduring winter weather, mother nature seems  quite cruel this year... but for those of us who reside in New England spring is here...an early morning walk finds the woods alive with scampering squirrels and the delightful sound of bird song...trees have begun to leaf out while tiny wildflowers show their dainty faces...I do feel the presence of  fairies peering out at me...the woods have taken on a magical quality...
                                       
 The cold wet earth has dried and is warm enough for spring planting to begin... plant sales held by local churches and historic properties are now found on the weekend agenda...I find this a wonderful way to expand one's flower garden and also offer the opportunity to try "new to you" plants... and the much sort after heirloom plants,...a new plant added to my perennial bed this spring is "Leopard's Bane" a yellow daisy like flower...It is  time  for list making...  deciding which plants to fill containers and window boxes...Friday I paid one of my favorite nurseries a visit...I did not purchase anything...but simply enjoyed the warmth, color and fragrance that the greenhouses had to offer...when purchasing plants and flowers I make a great effort to buy local, but I admit, buying inexpensive flats from big box stores, does occur...here at Dog Trot Farm every penny counts... 
It is also time to take note of those plants which did not made it through the long winter...and those plants which give a favorite look and color...My feeling is every garden needs a bit of Lady's Mantle and Rose Campion, these perennials make a flowerbed "'pop...well, my flowerbed anyway...
Now, it would not be spring if I did not mention chickens, specifically chicks...my flock of fifteen are doing well and remain dependable layers...a  chick order form has hung on my refrigerator for two months...I had been on the fence...should I, shouldn't I... ...finally...the decision was made...Travis Lloyd will have his first four chicks arriving the week of May 25th...two Buff and two Barred, these two breeds work well here in Maine. Cold weather hardy, lovely disposition, and adapt well to coop living...Now for those of you who  patiently wait for warm weather, I hope it finds you soon...  remember spring never skips it's turn! Happy gardening everyone...

19 comments:

Michelle said...

Cool and rainy here. Not our usual spring, that is for sure.

Pondside said...

Spring is here too, but sadly, not with chicks. There is so much going on by the ponds, with travel and babies, that some things will have to be given up for this summer. We'll be good customers of the egg stand down the road!
That galvanized tub full of flowers is so pretty!

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Julie, so glad to hear Spring has sprung in lovely Maine, such a wonderful time of year.....I try to shop at the smaller garden spots too, but, Wal- Mart gets some money from me also.......Love Lady's Mantle, one of my favorites.....Lucky Travis will enjoy the sweet little chicks, I would love some myself......Beautiful pictures, finally we have some warm Spring weather here, makes me happy.....Enjoy, Francine.

Farm Girl said...

So glad you took the plunge to get more chicks. My hens hatched out 13 all are doing very well.
Your flowers are just beautiful. I am so glad that you are having spring now.
It all looks so pretty.

Cathy G. said...

Hi Julie,
I am sure ready for a trip to the garden center this year! I hope we've seen the last of this dreadful weather this Spring! The one good thing though it brought much needed moisture as our last few summers have been very dry!
Have fun with the new chicks!
Hugs!
Cathy G

Julia said...

Oh, I love the little chicks. Spring has sprung here too and the sun is getting hot and the soil is getting dry.

I bought a Leopard's Bane plant a while back and they self seed. Now I have them growing in three flower beds and I gave some away. I just love them. They are just about ready to open.
Have a great week.
Hugs,
JB

annie said...

love the flowers, do you use chicken manure for fertilizer? just popped into my mind! hope you enjoy the new chicks for young Travis! have a great week, Julie!

moosecraft said...

Ahhhhh... beautiful flowers! And what a cute little chick! Everybody outside to play! lol! :-)

jaz@octoberfarm said...

it is more like summer here! we need rain! all i do is water. i will be planting more planters today. my flowers are all drying out!

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

Isn't it nice to finally have spring weather. I feel happier just knowing I can take the dog out without bundling up. Travis will certainly enjoy his new chicks. I think you must be the fun Grammie!

Earlene said...

Love the planters!

MTWaggin said...

Gosh the flowers are AMAZING and can't wait to see how Travis likes those little chicks! :)

Janice said...

A lovely ode to spring...so glad it has arrived for you.

Anonymous said...

Lovely flower pictures Julie! Lucky Travis.. :) Happy Spring way up there in Maine!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

a weeping pea tree? hmmm...i've never even heard of those. do you have one?

Terry and Linda said...

I loved your tour and the photo of the new little chicks! We are still waiting for lovely spring blooms here.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Rugs and Pugs said...

Beautiful plants. I am thankful spring has finally stuck around northern Ohio for a few days.
Hugs :)
Lauren

Anonymous said...

Spring is such a lovely and welcomed season...especially here in New England.

Kathy said...

Happy, Happy gardening to you also.
How lovely very inspiring.
Kathy