spring

Finally. The sun is out, the air feels balmy, there are birds chirping everywhere, and the maple tree's spent blossoms are littering the streets. Spring is here.

There are no memories of winter left in the garden either. Everything is competing to see what can burst first. My favorite tree – the star magnolia – is in full bloom, its white petals fluttering in the wind.

The daphne is covered in blooms with an infatuating scent. Then there are hellebores, still looking downwards but ready to go.

The lanky camelia is positioned between two windows along the driveway, where nobody can enjoy its picture perfect flowers. I frequently snip some of them, to brighten up the window sill in my studio.

snow story

Here is our back yard, slightly skewed, by the panoramic view, but nevertheless in its full winter glory. Note were the snow is still lingering – in the kitchen garden – which is supposed to be the sunniest and warmest spot of all. Not any more. The neighbor's trees has grown taller by the years, so part of our potagér barely gets any sun at all. That's were the blueberries now roam... This spring the garden will move up the hill, with two new raised beds to make room for the sun loving treats.

resilience

We've been covered in snow for so long. I am afraid to discover the damage that's been done to the garden. But today the sun is out, and there is a hint of spring in the air. Look what I discovered during my walk-about. The star magnolia almost ready for bloom, stringy witch hazel flowers spreading their heady scent, and the ever cheerful winter aconites. Nature's resilience is encouraging.