I had to log on to my blog just now to delete a spam comment (grrr), and I thought I'd better post some kind of entry while I'm here. I've been thinking about what to write today anyway. I've taken a few pictures, but most of them aren't very good. I was going to list what's blooming now, but I know I don't know if that's interesting or just sounds like bragging.

Anyway, since I'm here, here's one of the pictures:



It's a winter iris (Iris unguicularis), but it blooms here in April (maybe March, too). It's always a nice surprise to be walking out to the compost bin and glance down and see these flowers. Unfortunately, the foliage looks ratty year round and the flowers don't have stems so you can't cut them to bring them into the house. I've tried to divide them, but the roots are really tough.

Next are the violets (Viola odorata).


It's probably not a good idea to let them grow in the crack between the front walk and the steps, but I just love seeing them there. I also let them grow in the lawn.

I just think they're so pretty. These you can pick for tiny, intensely scented bouquets.




























Grape hyacinths make sweet-smelling mini bouquets, too. They're blooming now, but I don't have any good photos.

My food-growing season isn't going any better than last year's so far. My indoor seedlings will be lucky if they survive my care until it's safe to set them out in the beds (another week or so depending on the weather). They're sprawling all over, and when I thin them they don't have any roots. I planted my "cool season" seeds outdoors a week and a half ago, and nothing has sprouted so far. A little of the garlic is up.

Other than that, I've been working on weeds. If you're doing pruning and cleanup now, don't forget the free dumping at Lockwood this week through Saturday and Monday through Wednesday next week. Hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. See you there!