Slowly … surely—but too slowly

This is an impatient and frustrating time for many gardeners throughout the Northeast and Midwest; I am reading it and feeling it. Indeed, I still see some gardens under a stubborn coating of snow. We haven't got that, but aside from a healthy showing from the hellebores, I wouldn’t say there’s too much going on in the way of flowers yet—and I would hardly expect it.


But it is the home stretch. All the spring bulbs are above ground, and I’m beginning to see the starts of hostas and daylilies. Even a few of the lilium—possibly martagons, are showing. In the meantime, I enjoy the last of the indoor forcing season. I started these cherry branches rather late and they are just beginning to show color—about 5 weeks ahead of the tree outside. It’s fun to watch their slow progress inside, because with the tree, it seems the burst of color happens and ends all too quickly.

Today I found a cache of lily bulbs down in the basement; they looked OK, so I planted them behind the house. There is a lot to be done back there. In 3 months it will be a weed heaven if I don’t get after it. It is also time to pull out the big bulb pots. It’s just about time to do a lot of things, regardless of this chilly, unpromising weather. No wonder I’m stalling, still looking at indoor flowers.