How to Get Your Garden Ready for Spring

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. – Lao Tzu

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I’m wishing you good luck and happiness today. This last week has been incredible in the amount of snow that hit the country. Many of us are wanting spring while nature gives us more winter. Here in central Florida we had high 80s degree weather last week. This week the cold front came down and Wednesday was in the 50’s F. I know that is not cold to most of you but it was to me. The sky started out gray with cold rain. Later the sun came out. I know that eventually the weather will start to warm up everywhere. When the sun shines brighter and little green things poke their heads out of the soil, it’s the perfect time to bring your garden to life. Create a vibrant outdoor space to enjoy throughout the summer. Though, it’s important to remember that nature doesn’t rush its processes. As Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Take the time to plan your garden layout, choose the right plants, and incorporate the elements that will make it beautiful and functional. Several years ago, I shared basic garden landscaping ideas and printables. They’re great to use when you want to update your garden too.

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Eastern Redbud Blooms

Last month I mentioned that the tree down the street had bloom and I didn’t get the chance to take photos. I first photographed it 2 years ago and asked for help identifying the tree. The owner did not know what kind of tree it is. In February it has pink blossoms for a short while. Some people suggested a fruit tree or almond tree, but the tree makes no fruit or nut. Most people suggested a Redbud tree. I looked it up and found this description:

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Terri’s February Backyard

All photos are courtesy of my friend Terri who lives just outside Nashville, Tennessee.

If you’ve seen other photos from Terri’s backyard, you may remember her bird feeders and her sightings of deer. Today are a collection of animal visits she captured in the month of February. I always look forward to her photos. Let’s start off with a hungry raccoon who dropped by the bird feeder. He worked very hard to achieve his goal.

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Beverly’s January of Orchids & Sky

Today’s photos were taken by my friend, Beverly, who lives in tropical Plantation, Florida in South Florida. She’s shared her beautiful orchids before. I love orchids, but I can’t grow them!

I’ve shared Beverly’s orchids several times before. She has plants hanging around the outside of her home in Broward County which is a tropical growing zone. (Ft. Lauderdale, FL is in Broward.) This last month has been a wonderful time for orchid blooms. The light purple with a dark center started blooming at the end of December and has continued right up to this week.

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January Cyclamen Flowers

After the holidays when all the decorations come down, life seems kind of drab. In many locations of the country cold weather also brings darker skies. Here in central Florida, we’ve had several cold fronts with rain come down from the north. Cold for us. Even though I live in Florida and winters are mild, I always want a little pop of color in my home.

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My Favorite Flower Photos for 2022

Last week we looked at the top posts of 2022 in terms of visitors.  It was a chance for me to know what are your favorite posts. 2 days later I shared My Favorite Nature Photos for 2022. In the past I shared a mix of nature and flowers posts in one post, but there were too many photos this year. Today’s review includes both flowers in the garden and bouquets in the house from the last year.

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Gardening in December

We’re getting close to the official first day of winter on December 21st. We’re all decorating, baking, and planning for the two big holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Then cold, dark January comes with low temperatures and for many locations, dreary gray skies. For many of us it means we’re going to end up spending most of our time snuggled up indoors cozy under a blanket. For those of you in more northern climates, you’ve already had snow and are in the winter season no matter what the calendar says. Now we’re in the huge Christmas rush. In another month, the holidays are over and the New Year is upon us.  Are you making resolutions for 2022? How about adding gardening to your list?

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