The early spring flowers are out.
Sanguinaria canadensis (bloodroot).
Lovely shaped leaves. Simple white flowers.
Dogtooth violet on a sunny day…
and on a cloudy day.
Drumstick primrose
Blue Star of Bethlehem
Donkey Tail Spurge. Spreads rather badly, but so interesting.
And the delicate old fashioned cowslip.
So wonderful to have colour in the yard again!
During my spring cleanup I came across one of my garden friends.
I will warn you, if you don’t like snakes, look away.
This is one of my garter snakes. I think there are about 3 around the yard.
He loves to lay out in the sun, on the rocks, or ledges.
He was quite cooperative for the photo session. I was using the telephoto lens, so I’m not actually that close.
I’m sure he’ll surprise me more often this summer, but really, we get along just fine.
For Christmas my hubby got me a new sign for the garden.
He got this tree custom designed and built by Mark Breckenridge.
You can see more of Mark’s work at hacnwac.ca
It was made to fit on this stump.
The metal leaves look like willow branches.
There was a special place to attach the sign.
Mark made sure it was hanging just right.
It really is so special, and will help everyone find WillowPark Patch.
The leaves shine in the bright sunlight, reflecting and flashing as they sway in the breeze.
Such a very beautiful and thoughtful Christmas gift!
The first walk through the garden in April is exciting and daunting at the same time.
I see all the chores to be done.
Winterkill on the shrubs needs to be pruned off.
The pond needs to be uncovered.
This tree came down last fall. It was cut up but needs to be cleaned up yet. 
And that tree fell on this fence, which now needs to be fixed. 
Burlap and tree covers need to be removed.
This hole along the new sidewalk needs to be filled and seeded. 
This bed was re-edged last fall, and plants were moved out. I’ll need to replant the hostas. 
And the raking. Lots and lots of raking. There’s a lot of lawn that looks like this, under the willow. 
Usually the chores aren’t too overwhelming, because my dear husband helps out a lot.
Not this year.
Cast on until the middle of May.
Not very fun for him. And I miss my handy helper.
I got out for my first walkabout in the garden.
And there are the snowdrops!
And the crocuses!
You can see I have some raking to do!
Freezing rain on the window!
Modern Art, courtesy of God’s handiwork.
I was a little later starting seeds this year. I usually start mid to late February.
But this year it wasn’t until the first week in March that I started planting.
I had saved quite a few varieties of flowers from last year’s garden.
I also ordered some vegetable seeds. And I had a few purchased last year that I tried, to see if they would still germinate.
It seemed every single snapdragon seed sprouted. They are so small, it’s hard to plant only a few.
So I pulled out quite a few already.
The tomatoes and peppers came up nicely.
Several Jalapeños, and a few Bell pepper plants.
I don’t want as many tomato plants this year, so there are just a few. Mostly for cherry tomatoes.
I’ll keep you posted on the growing progress.
I was on the road today and came past this driveway.
The taps and buckets have changed over the years.
I love those old-timey sap buckets and taps.
But these new fangled ones were doing the job just fine!
Support your local Maple Syrup supplier!
Through the cold and white of February I need to remember.
The beautiful purple clematis.
The popping pinks of the lantana.
The stately spires of lupins.
The lovely scent of the lilacs.
Spring will come again.
Colour will return.
This little family of mourning doves had their residence at my in-laws’ house.
On the back deck, in this plant pot, mounted on the house.
They didn’t seem to mind that we were standing very close.
We were just surprised that the young’uns were of such a size, and yet still sitting in the nest.
Mama bird would have to work hard to feed these two, or protect them under her wings!
Surely, it must soon be time to move out of the nest!