We think every day should be Earth Day (just like every day should be “grateful to be alive day”). But we will celebrate today with a dozen roses. Enjoy. And no matter where you are we hope you get a moment outside to take a walk and appreciate the miracle that is our good earth.
Spring is fully here in Norcal, and that means lots of sun and lots of breezy days. It also means that it’s time to really get back outside and work in the garden. So far we have artichokes, potatoes, blueberries and strawberries and herbs to work with. Not a bad start. We cleaned up our beds and planted our tomatoes, peppers, cukes and eggplant. Of course, we got a very cold night right after planting. Gardening, your name should be Murphy. Such is life.
A different kind of flower.
Peaches on the way.
Happily, the orchard has gone from blossoms to fruit and we have berries, cherries, figs, peaches, pears, nectarines and apples on the way. And we are still using up our citrus. Life truly is giving us lemons….the good kind. I guess we just need to make some lemonade and mix a few more drinks for friends. Somehow, I think we can handle that.
Blueberries in a week.
And finally, the flowers are really starting to pop. This makes us happy. Always. Everywhere we go there are flowers. The wildflowers line our highways and back roads, the trees are in bloom and our gardens fill up with color. And summer is coming. Things will get even better.
The Putney Farm crew is on the road (most of us, anyway). But we never quite leave our gardens fully behind. From one garden to another. We bet you can guess our location. Any takers? The first to get it right gets a cocktail named in their honor (you can even suggest a few ingredients). Otherwise, enjoy the pics.
Back to the office….
Early cherry blossom.
All sorts of new blossoms at the farm this week. Spring, it seems, keeps…um, springing. And we are quite happy about that. In just the last week cherries, pears, strawberries and apples all started to bloom. And the peaches, nectarines, figs, rosemary and blueberries came into full flower. Our potato plants are taking off, the mint is already trying to take over the world and wisteria is just starting. Citrus still sits ready on the tree (but not for much longer).The bees are back, doing their magic. Wildflowers start to cover the hills. Color and sound fills the soul. This never gets old. Never.
First apple blossoms.
Peach blossoms.
Early comice pear blossoms.
Figs, growing quickly.
Blueberries. Can’t wait.
We are in the midst of a “real” winter here in Norcal. We can’t complain, we need the rain. And I guess the cold and wind just comes along with the deal sometimes.
But just when almost all the colors fade, the Daffodils (or Narcissus, your choice) pop up. The yellows and whites gleam amidst the browns and grays of winter. There are always signs of spring in California. That comes with the deal, too.
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Christmas brought joy, friendship, feasting and rain. Lots of rain. We have no complaints, we need rain here…always. And the mountains are covered with snow. Again, no complaints…well, maybe a little.
Filled in just a day or so…
Once the storm passes, we like to see what’s left. The grasses are green and thriving, but the flowers are a bit tattered. Happily, a few held on. Some are more sturdy than we would ever expect, particularly the roses. Their colors sway and flash in the storm. The petals fly, but new blossoms are never far behind.
A bit tattered…but hangin’ on…
We leave you with a few “crafts” from our time in the rain. Inspiration comes from many places….
Putney Farm 