Signs of spring.

The weather has gone above freezing quite a bit here lately, although we did get more snow last night. I was looking out the window in our back room and I was so glad to notice signs of life appearing in the yard.

I guess this past winter must have been milder than some we have gotten in the past, because I found last year's parsley sprouting again, which hasn't happened before. (Parsley is a biennial, but only in fairly mild climates.)

My research tells me though, that the second year parlsey plants spend most of their energy making flowers and seeds rather than leaves. So I guess I'll be planting some more seeds this year if I want to get enough parsley to dry for next winter.

I also saw lemon balm growing:

I am always childishly excited in the spring when plants like this come up again, when in the fall nothing was here but a few dead looking brown sticks.

On the other side of the yard was a dandelion! Perhaps I'll add these healthy greens to my next salad. And next to it what looks like my old Siberian irises, although I thought I pulled them all out last year to make way for vegetables.

All these green sprouting things reminds me that I need to get some herb seeds sprouted soon. This past week my medicinal herbs seeds arrived from Mountain Rose Herbs.

All of these herbs are going to be going into the healing salve I'm planning to make this summer, along with some plantain, which I can find easily anywhere in our neighbourhood. The lavender will also be used for making potpourri, the chamomile for tea for upset tummies and for baths to soothe sunburn, and the yarrow I am going to try using along with rosemary to make insect repellent. (One catalogue I have claims that yarrow is a "proven" mosquito repellent, so I figured I'd give it a try!) Some day I'd love to have a huge herb garden and make all kinds of herbal products, but for this year, I think these projects will get me off to a good start.

How wonderful it is for those of us in temperate climates, to feel the thrill of seeing life sprouting from the ground again each year in spring. Every year, it is just as exciting for me. I can't wait to start those seeds now!

Is anyone else getting any seeds started at the moment?

Edited to add: Early this morning, I heard Canada Geese honking overhead...which means  spring really can't be far away, if they have decided to return to the North. I assume those birds know what they're doing! :)

Comments

[marlyn dubay]

Hi Laura Jeanne

It is snowing her today, after yesterday's meltdown. Your area is warmer. Lucky girl! I too am getting excited about spring. My seeds popped up in their mini green houses( old spinach plastic containers). I usually plant snow peas in April. Three weeks away. Yes!

[Citysister]

Our seed starting has started, but won't really pick up for a couple of more weeks.