Spring Awakening: A Garden’s Journey

“Blossom by blossom the spring begins.” —Algernon Charles Swinburn

Welcome to the blog today, friends — and a warm, sunny WELCOME to spring! 🌸

Isn’t this just the most magical time of year? The garden is stirring from its winter slumber, with tiny green shoots peeking through the soil, stretching toward the warmth of the sun. The air is alive with the flutter of wings as birds busily build their nests, and the trees are bursting into bloom — even if that means a little dusting of pollen on everything!

The picture above is from my morning room window, where I have the best seat in the house to watch nature’s springtime performance. See that sweet little house finch perched at the top of the branch? He’s basking in the morning sunlight, his rosy feathers practically glowing against the soft pink blossoms of the ornamental tree. It’s like nature’s own perfect color palette — and the best part is, it’s happening right outside my window.

Spring is here, friends — and there’s so much beauty to savor! 🌷

“Life is simply a mix of mayhem and magnolias, so embrace this gentle riot and gather flowers along the way.” – kat savage

The tulip magnolia tree in the front of the house is one of the earliest and most joyful heralds of spring here in the Upstate. 🌸

There’s something magical about watching its transformation — from tightly wrapped buds to the glorious unfurling of those large, soft pink blossoms. Each stage feels like a promise of warmer days to come. The color is so vibrant and cheerful, it’s as if the tree is standing proudly, declaring to the world, “Spring has arrived!”

It’s a sight that never fails to make me smile — nature’s own grand opening for the season. 🌷

‘Mid the crumpled beds of marigold and phlox,
Where the box
Borders with its glossy green the ancient walks” — Henry Van Dyke

Purple phlox is truly one of spring’s sweetest gifts, spilling over the rocks and filling the garden with a cascade of delicate blooms. 💜

It seems to weave itself effortlessly through the rock garden and herb garden, creating soft, dreamy borders of lavender hues that frame the front of the house so beautifully. Phlox is always one of the first flowers to make its appearance, and every time I see those cheerful blossoms, I know that warmer days — and the promise of peonies — aren’t far behind.

It’s like nature’s way of giving a little wink, saying, “Hang tight — the best is yet to come!” 🌸

“The wind is tossing the lilacs, the new leaves laugh in the sun, and the petals fall on the orchard wall.” – Sara Teasdale

The lilacs are budding, and soon those elegant spikes of soft purple blooms will fill the air with their sweet, fresh fragrance. 💜

Lilacs can be a bit finicky here — it’s really a touch too hot and humid for them — so I’ve learned to baby mine a little. But despite the odds, it’s growing well (if a bit slowly), and every delicate floret carries whispers of childhood memories. The scent alone transports me back to simpler days, when lilac-filled breezes signaled that spring was in full bloom.

It’s amazing how a single bloom can hold so much history and heart. 🌸

“Hannah’s magic cure for every ill,” he teased. “Blueberry cake and a kitten.” — Elizabeth George Speare, The Witch of Blackbird Pond

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if life’s troubles could really melt away with a slice of blueberry cake and the comforting purr of a kitten? I remember reading this book when I was quite young — it left such an impression on me. Over the years, I’ve shared it with so many students in my classes, and it’s heartwarming to think of how those simple, comforting images resonated with them too.

Now, whenever I see blueberries, I can’t help but think of that joy. My blueberry bushes are covered in delicate blossoms, promising a healthy crop this year. I’m already dreaming of lazy summer mornings on the back screened porch, savoring a bowl of freshly picked blueberries — maybe even with a slice of cake on the side. 🍰💙

…snowball viburnum in its first green flush. Pair it with lilac and I’m in Paris in the Springtime.

The snowball viburnum bush is heavy with bright green flowerheads, just beginning their slow transformation into luminous white blooms. 🌿

When that magical shift happens, the bush will be covered in fluffy floral snowballs, catching the sunlight and casting a soft, radiant glow across the garden. It’s like nature’s version of a snow globe — delicate and fleeting, but so breathtaking while it lasts.

There’s something so enchanting about watching those bright clusters sway in the breeze, each one a little promise that the full glory of spring is here. ❄️🌸

“The grass as bristly and stout as chives and me wondering when the ground will break and me wondering how anything fragile survives.” — Anne Sexton.

You have to admire the resilience of herbs — and chives, in particular, deserve a special nod. 🌿

They’re among the very first green shoots to peek through the soil in early spring, a cheerful sign that the garden is waking up. If the weather is mild, they might even persist through winter, stubbornly holding their ground. That bright onion-garlic flavor adds just the right touch to so many dishes — simple, yet so satisfying.

Chives have a quiet kind of strength. They’re tenacious, reseeding themselves each fall, knowing they’ll rise again come spring. It’s comforting, isn’t it? Like a little reminder from nature that renewal is always just around the corner. 🌱💚

“Let the gentle aroma of sage remind you to clear your mind and embrace the present moment.”

Living in the present is something spring gently reminds me of every year. 🌸

It’s so easy to get caught up in the past or worry about the future — but spring’s quiet lessons are all around us. Plants know how to live in the moment, soaking up the rain and sunshine, focusing on the growth that’s happening right now. Last year’s sage isn’t important — it’s this year’s tender new leaves and roots that matter.

My sage plants seem to know the value of rest. They gather within themselves through the winter, conserving energy, only to burst forth with fresh growth in the spring. The rest seems to do them good. Maybe we could learn from that rhythm — the balance of stillness and renewal, the grace of beginning again. 🌿✨

“Tomatoes and oregano make it Italian; wine and tarragon make it French.” Alice May Brock

This lush plant has sprung up in the last two weeks, already full and beautiful — and just begging to be used in recipes. 🌿

Tarragon grows so effortlessly, it’s almost like it wants to be part of your kitchen. Good soil, proper drainage, a bit of sunshine, and some water — that’s all it needs to thrive. And when you add a splash of wine to your recipe alongside that fresh tarragon, you’ve got a dish that could rival the best restaurants in Provence.

There’s something so rewarding about tending to your herbs, gathering a fragrant handful, and weaving that garden-fresh flavor into your cooking. It’s more than just seasoning — it’s a little taste of the joy that comes from nurturing something and watching it flourish. 🍃✨

Even though it’s still early in the season, don’t forget to tuck a few tomato plants into your spring garden. 🍅

I like to pot mine and bring them inside at night, letting them soak up the warmth and sunshine during the day. The concrete and brick on the porch hold onto the day’s heat, keeping the plants cozy and encouraging those first tender shoots to grow strong.

Before long, I’ll be picking little sun-ripened tomatoes, still warm from the vine, and tossing them into crisp salads. There’s nothing quite like that burst of fresh tomato flavor — a true taste of summer, arriving just a little early. 🌱☀️

The herb garden is art for the soul, from sight to aroma and palate.

Even in the early days of spring, the herb garden is a magical blend of scents and sights. The air is kissed by the unmistakable fragrance of rosemary, while cascading phlox adds a splash of whimsy with its cheerful blooms. It’s a glorious place to be, where the garden, having rested through winter, begins to awaken—each herb renewing itself as if stretching out from a cozy slumber, eager to greet the sun once more.

Spring brings with it a delightful parade of nature’s little helpers, each playing their part in the garden’s lively rhythm. Squirrels frolic with such abandon, their playful antics a joy to watch, while the chipmunks scurry about, ever on the lookout for seeds to stash away. The garden, full of life and bustle, is like a busy stage where every creature has a role, and I can’t help but smile at the charming clean-up crew hard at work, making sure the birds’ leftovers don’t go to waste.

Thank you so much for joining me today! It’s been lovely to watch the garden wake up as the weather warms, with the sun and rain gently nurturing the plants. There’s something so peaceful and joyful about this time of year, and I’m so glad we could enjoy it together. Here’s to all the new blooms and little bursts of life popping up in the garden! 🌿🌷