The Sweet Scent of Spring

While waiting for Spring's arrival, I have enjoyed browsing through some of my gardening books.  This morning I pulled this one from the shelf.  

I purchased it awhile ago at a used bookstore.

Published in England in 1992, it is geared toward the youngest gardeners.

Each season offers simple projects sure to spark a lifelong interest in gardening.

Although I no longer qualify for being a young gardener, the sweet projects and delightful artwork of Beatrix Potter make me excited for the gardening season to begin.

Here is a little gardening project that is taking place in my house right now.

Hyacinth In A Jar

Mine came from Aldi.

I found one with two buds on it.

When the first one bloomed it kind of tipped over.

I don't mind as the smell is so reminiscent of springtime.

Every time I catch a whiff the excitement for Spring's true arrival begins.

I plan to keep the vase it's in and start my own next year.

While it's a bit early for Easter decorating, I couldn't resist changing out the display on my island to something more springlike.

Until now, the snowmen have been on display.

After arranging my display I placed the hyacinth near the bunny.

He looks quite pleased with the scent too.

🐇⚘🐇

Almost Valentine's Day

Just a reminder on this day before Valentine's Day.

With the holiday falling on a Friday, I imagine the restaurants will all be filled to capacity.  We went into the city earlier this week for an early celebration.  No big crowds that day.

The restaurant had a lovely patio for dining alfresco.

As it was cold and rainy, we opted for indoor dining.

We both enjoy halibut which isn't always easy to obtain on the east coast.  "Just For The Halibut" caught our eye on the menu and it didn't disappoint.  When the waiter brought it out, at first glance it looked like a dessert.  The halibut was topped with crabmeat and resting on a potato cake with a layer of spinach between layers.  A delicious sun dried tomato sauce was swirled around the bottom.

Yum!

I was able to enjoy it twice as the portion was way more than I could eat in one sitting.  Although I should mention we also had a delicious salad and had to save room to share their famous carrot cake.

Tomorrow we will dine much lighter.

I'm thinking a pot of vegetable soup in the quiet of our own home sounds good.

How do you plan to spend Valentine's Day?

Sending LOVE your way.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Two Bags Full

Today we have been treated to an unseasonably warm February day.

73 degrees fahrenheit currently.

This called for opening the doors and a few windows.

When I opened them this morning I thought it would be for a little airing.  They've been open all day without the house getting too cold or too warm.  Delightful!

The jasmine growing on my trellis had gotten really wild looking.

It has been bugging me every time I walk by it.

The beautiful weather acted as a magnetic force pulling me out the door. 😎

Technically I am working my job from home today.

During a slow moment this morning I snuck out with my pruners and a garbage bag.  Here a snip, there a snip.

This isn't the easiest thing to prune as I can't reach the top and the ground slopes toward the 4 ft. drop off so getting on a step stool is out of the question at my age.

I took my light weight rake and pulled down as much as I could from the top, then got on my tip toes and snipped some more.

I spent the day going from my desk to the trellis and after a few hours ended up with two bags full of clippings from the jasmine.

Also managed to finish my day's office work.

While I was out there I checked in on a few of my herb plants.

The oregano is showing signs of new growth  and, while the chives are looking a bit bedraggled, they are also showing some new growth.  There were a few weeds popping up in there.  They are now relocated to the garbage bag.

The pansies that were covered in ice in my last post have begun putting out a few new flowers.  I gave them a weak dose of fertilizer to help them along.

Our high temperature tomorrow will be 20 degrees lower than today.

Looking at the weather forecast for next week I see two days featuring snowflakes.  That could all change by then so for today I am just enjoying this delightful day breathing in the fresh air and tending my little garden with thoughts of the pretty flowers that will soon begin blooming.

⚘⚘⚘