"The depth of color after the spring rain was astounding. As the morning light trickled over the horizon, the verdant foliage lay like like a rich, green cloak on the land, dappled here and there with a flush of blossoms from blooming trees and shrubs."

We've had a slow start to spring this year, with one warm week or a few warm days surrounded by largely chilly weather. It hasn't been safe to put out frost tender plants yet, but I'm hoping that will change this week - and not swing too rapidly the other direction, into summer heat.

The temperature swings are hard on the plants - and people too, for that matter, but all we can do is make the best of it. Be mindful in your outside activities, and pace yourself with sun exposure. (In case you need them, don't forget we have an assortment of sunburn remedies and mosquito bite remedies, too.)

Yesterday I indulged in some plant hunting. The first two stops were a wash, but the third was delightful. We went to a little nursery called The Plantscapers near Luxemburg. It's been a favorite of mine for years, because it is so unique.

They focus on perennials, mostly trees and shrubs, and they have many varieties I haven't seen anywhere else. There are also carefully landscaped grounds, as the owner's home is next to the nursery. Bonsais of many different types and sculptural elements draw the eye and bring a smile.

This time we came home with a loquat and a gingko, a blueberry, and some rhubarb. I can't wait until we can afford the earth sheltered greenhouse and can bring some of the more tender plants home, too. (They had some gorgeous passionfruit vines.) I didn't go too crazy with shopping, as we still have a lot of garden left to plant due to the wonky weather.

I love the crazy variety in our yard. It is messy, and a lot of work, but so alive. As spring progresses, the different trees and shrubs (and other plantings) come into blossom, scenting the air and welcoming the bees. Right now it's apples and lilacs dominating, but there is also a Hansen's bush cherry, and the blueberries and peashrubs are firing up. (I may have to make some lilac jelly this week before the blooms fade.)

We spotted several redwing blackbird nests in the cattails at the edge of the pond this week, and confirmed babies in at least one of them. Mom started scolding us on our morning walk, silly lady, giving herself away. We didn't linger long, and soon she was settled again.

The orioles and hummingbirds have been visiting the feeders during their yard patrols, and the swallows are once again doing acrobats over the gardens and ponds. Inside, this year's chicks have arrived, and are off to a strong start. Next week we rotate the laying hens to seasonal pens and the babies take over the main coop.

In addition to gardening, writing continues. I have some new eBooks coming out soon, and am making steady progress on the preparedness book.

The guys are troubleshooting electrical problems (likely a bad GFCI) and we have a guest for supper, so I'd best sign off.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

This week's featured articles...

Just in case you're one of the many who find themselves saying, "Oh, my aching back", I've given our natural back pain relief article a complete makeover based on more years of experience. (Getting older is not for wimps!)

When I first spotted these plants, I thought they were some sort of odd wild strawberry. They are related, but you won't find tasty berries on these leggy plants. They do have a history of medicinal use, plus pollinators put them to use. Meet sulphur cinquefoil here. And in case you've already met it and it's taking over your garden or pasture, we have tips to help with that, too.

The rhubarb patch has been a little slow to get revved up this year due to our cool temps, but it's finally ready for harvest. We're adding some more plants on the south side of the workshop, snugged up against the building, that should give us an earlier start to harvest season next year.

If you're blessed with a rhubarb patch (or have friendly rhubarb bearing neighbors or a bountiful farmers market), be sure to try out this rhubarb bread recipe.