March 28, 2018

'Subtle' Signs of Spring: Inside and Out

bubble gum
Overwintered Supertunia Vista Bubblegum

zinnias
Zinnia seedlings (Z. elegans hybrids)

gerbera
Overwintered Gerbera Daisy hybrid

lettuce
Lettuce seedlings under the coldframe

hellebores 1
Hellebore buds (Helleborus orientalis)

daffodils
Daffodil buds (Narcissus spp.)

snowdrops
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno')

allium
Unknown (Allium?) ... What did I plant here?

hellebores2
More Hellebore buds (Helleborus orientalis)

rhubarb
Rhubarb (for future pie :) )

March 12, 2018

Goodbye Ice: My Winter Walk-Off

water tower

Les at A Tidewater Gardener annually hosts a Winter Walk-Off meme, and I've participated several times. I frequently find myself heading down to Lake Waubesa, which is only a couple of blocks from my house. It's interesting to look back at previous posts and see the conditions of the lake at this time of year. The local news folks are now talking about the end of 2018 ice fishing and the beginnings of the boating season.

boardwalk

One thing is different this year: We have a new boardwalk trail, which I posted about last fall and I can't wait to hike repeatedly this spring, summer, and fall. It's really quite wonderful. I've walked it a few times during the winter, and recently took a walk along it for Les's meme.

As you'll see, the shoreline was pretty in the bright afternoon sun. Also, the waterfowl and the ice-fishers were plentiful--within short distances of each other!

shoreline 1

sun dog

shoreline 2

shore tree

railroad tracks

ice fishing 2

ice fishing 1

geese 1

geese 2

ducks

open shore

Yes, it won't be long now until the boaters take over the lake! Happy spring! And thanks to Les for hosting this excellent meme!