I was stopped by these tulips while out walking with my camera recently. I love the way the petals have rolled down as the flowers die. Nature sure is neat.
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CATEGORY
Seasonal
The garden as it happens with the seasons.
Books by Gayla Trail
Spring Blooms
I took a few photos of the flowers currently in bloom while out walking the other day. Those of you in warmer climates can feel superior or at least laugh at how behind we are here in Southern Ontario. At least I can stop sending psychic S.O.S signals out into the world. Winter, you have not destroyed me yet! But very close. Very, very close.
- Crocus cultivar
- Snowdrops (Galanthus)
- Iris reticulata
- Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica) – For the superstitious this one came up as “image 666.”
- The rarely seen bush-habit-forming spring satin rose. (Rosa faux satinus)
Gardener’s Anxiety
- Sharp-Lobed Hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba)
These tiny, pretty pinkish-white flowers are one of the first blooming woodland natives to make an appearance in early spring. They are happy in partial shade with nutrient-rich soil, and can withstand very mild drought.
I was admiring this patch yesterday afternoon when the gardener saw me and stopped to chat.
Spring is finally here.
Yes, it’s such a relief. I’m bursting with excitment!
Pointing to a tidy woodland garden coated in leaf mulch: I’ve got to clean this mess.
No way! I regularly stop by your garden to see what it’s doing and it is always beautiful!
What is it with gardeners? Every single one I have ever met is quick to apologize for the “wretched” state of their garden. People, your gardens are beautiful. And if you need a reality check just take a look at my street garden and get over it already! It is completely destroyed with last year’s fence in shambles and making it’s way across the sidewalk with large dog turds and assorted random garbage peppering the space. The poor crocuses are barely visible. Am I sweating it? Well maybe a little. But a few hours on what promises to be a warm Sunday afternoon with a pair of gloves and some clippers and it will be back in action!
Leave a commentCherry Blossoms
We’re sitting just on the cusp of cherry blossom season here in Toronto. They generally make their stunning appearance in late April/early May. The following poem was included in my local Farmer’s Market newsletter and I couldn’t resist posting it here as a beacon of hope for those of us who have been stuck with a never-ending winter. Spring is on the way! It is assured.
As the years stream by
My own life passes from me
Still I am renewed when I see the blossoms
My heart’s sorrows disappear
- Fujiwara no Yoshifusa
Cherry blossom season is an important time of year in Japan, with the flower’s short blooming time symbolizing the fleeting nature of life. I can’t mention cherry blossoms, known as Sakura without mentioning my friend and a friend to many You Grow Girl forum members, Sakura who left too soon, much like her namesake.
Resources:
- Cherry Tree Varieties – a gorgeous assortment of colours and styles all of which are soft and puffy like clouds.
- National Cherry Blossom Festival – Washington, DC
- Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival – Looks like it’s pretty much over.
- Cherry Blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden – Find out which trees are in bloom and where as they happen. It looks like some have finished but many are just about to begin. Get over there!
Public Service Announcement
Gaze upon this lineup of vine-ripened tomatoes I photographed last fall in my pal Amy’s garden. Remember fresh, ripe, sweet, rich, juicy tomatoes? On toast. With fresh, homegrown basil. Don’t forget to get your tomato seedlings started so you can enjoy these babies come August!
And if you’re in Toronto next week I’ll be giving a hands-on workshop on starting seeds at Grassroots Environmental Products Store.
Get your hands dirty and learn the ins and outs of starting veggies, herbs, and flowers from seed in this hands-on, organic growing workshop. Thrifty hints and tips for beginners, apartment dwellers and small space gardeners. Participants will each take a seedling-to-be home with them.
When: Monday, April 23, 2007. 7:30 pm
Where: 372 Danforth Ave, Toronto (at Chester subway)
$10 ($5 students/seniors/unwaged)
Pre-registration and payment is necessary to reserve a space.
Space is limited to 20 people. Register at either Grassroots locations or call (416) 466-2841.
