Exploring Nature: The Joys of Spring Gardening

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Welcome to the Blog today, Friends!

One of my favorite posts to write all year is the very first garden post of the spring season. There is something so hopeful, so quietly miraculous, about stepping outside and noticing that the world is waking up again. The earth, which only weeks ago seemed still and resting, begins to stir with life in the most beautiful ways.

Tiny green shoots push their way up through the soil, as if they simply can’t wait another moment to greet the sun. Buds swell on branches that looked lifeless in winter, and suddenly—almost overnight—there are blossoms dancing in the breeze. It feels like a gentle reminder that life continues, no matter how long the winter may seem.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” — Audrey Hepburn

As I walked through the garden this morning, coffee in hand, I found myself lingering over each little sign of growth. A cluster of daffodils nodding their golden heads… delicate hints of green unfurling along the hedges… and the soft hum of bees beginning their busy work once again. It’s the kind of morning that invites you to slow down and simply be.

“The earth laughs in flowers.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Just to keep things interesting, I’m starting the year with a little story about our largest vegetable garden area—you can see it in the picture above.

Last year, I had the most lovely beans and peppers planted here. They were growing beautifully, full of promise… and then, quite suddenly, they were gone. Completely gone.

Our local wildlife—bunnies, I suspect—decided to help themselves and stripped the garden clean in what felt like a single day. I have to tell you, I was not a happy camper.

This year, however, we are feeling much more hopeful. My wonderful husband came to the rescue and installed a sturdy garden fence around the entire area, then carefully wrapped it with rabbit fencing up to the three-foot mark. It’s such a thoughtful solution, and I’m really hoping this will keep those hungry little visitors from enjoying my vegetables before we do!

Already, there are signs of promise. Tender rows of lettuce and spinach are beginning to emerge, and I planted peas just last week. Fingers crossed, friends, for a healthy—and shared—harvest this year.

Next to the larger enclosed garden, we have a smaller space that holds our raspberry bushes and a few summer vegetables. This little garden needed a full rebuild this year, which took another day of work, but it’s finally back together and ready for a fresh start.

Our tulip magnolia is blooming and looks so beautiful. Don’t you just love the soft pink of these blooms?

Our resident squirrels, of course, are providing their own bit of entertainment in the backyard. They’ve discovered the corn wheel, and I have to say, their antics are quite something to watch.

I love how incredibly agile these little creatures are. One particular squirrel has developed quite the routine—he hooks his back feet onto the top rung of the wheel and stretches himself all the way down to reach the lowest ear of corn, nibbling away with impressive determination. Then, up he goes again to enjoy a few kernels before repeating the whole process.

It’s like watching a tiny acrobat at work, and I can’t help but smile every time I see him.

It’s also nesting time in the backyard, which may be one of my favorite parts of the season.

We have three birdhouses, and each one is happily occupied right now. If you look closely at the photo, you can see a little feathered friend peeking his head out of the opening, as if he’s keeping an eye on all the garden happenings below.

One of the houses is home to a sweet family of bluebirds, and the third is bustling with activity as well. There’s something so comforting about knowing these tiny families have chosen our garden as their home.

I especially love the moment when the little birds are ready to leave the nest. The parents flutter nearby, calling and encouraging, and you can almost feel the hesitation… and then suddenly—bravery takes over, and off they go.

It’s such a tender reminder of growth, of letting go, and of new beginnings… all playing out right here in the backyard.

The phlox is blooming and the herb garden is starting to come back to life. All the color and activity make for a great view while sipping morning coffee.

The lilac bush is forming flowers and the chives and sage are coming to life. It’s such a pleasure to go out to the garden and gather some herbs for cooking.

The last few nights we have had freezing temperatures but, so far, everything is still doing well. Nature is so resilient. Once it warms up a bit I’ll be back out in the garden clearing more areas for spring blooming. Thanks for joining me here today. I wish you all some very happy gardening.