Seasonal Celebrations: Spring 2013

Spring officially arrives in 10 days. The first signs of spring are already here and spring fever is starting to set in. Anyone else getting the urge to clean and organize their homes and gardens? In keeping with the "10" theme I have compiled my top 10 things that I like best about spring.

10.  Mild temperatures

Pleasant temperatures makes eating meals on the patio a time to savor. It doesn't get much better than listening to the birds chirping, feeling the gentle spring breezes while surrounded by all the floral beauty. Plus it makes for great gardening weather.

  9. The return of the ruby-throated hummingbirds

(Although I will really miss the rufous when they depart.)

 We usually see our first ruby-throats in the garden by the end of March. It will be interesting this year because I have been told that if the rufous are still around they could chase the ruby-throats off.

Juvenile born last year

  8. Hitting the hiking trails

We live less than an hour from the mountains and I love to explore the trails for spring ephemerals like bloodroot, maypops and trillium.

bloodroot along a trail in the Appalachian Mountains

  7.  Dogwood blossoms

One of my favorite trees. I think blooming dogwoods in the woodland garden are simply stunning!

  6. Working in the garden in a T-shirt

my favorite gardening T

  5. Azaleas

What doesn't describe spring in the South better than azaleas?  

Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia

  4. The first butterfly sighting

Zebra swallowtails are typically the first butterflies we see in the garden in spring. They are particularly attracted to white blooms.

  3. Nesting birds

The joy of watching the birds building their nests and then discovering they have laid eggs is such a thrill. 

I hope the bluebirds will have better luck this year.

2. Sowing the vegetable garden

As the sunshine heats up the soil it will be time to plant the warm season crops. 

This year we will be growing tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, melons, potatoes, and pumpkins. 

   1. Feeling warm dirt between my fingers and smelling the good rich soil

Life is Good

We all celebrate the season in our own unique way. I am joining Gardens Eye View for Seasonal Celebrations, the spring edition. What are you looking forward to most this Spring?