Spring tomorrow?

Clematis armandii

Everything that slows us down and forces patience, 
everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, 
is a help. 
Gardening is an instrument of grace.

May Sarton

Winter is not finished with us yet.  There's a storm advisory in the Cascade mountains for tomorrow with another 2-3 feet of snow predicted.  Down there in the lowlands, just more cold rain and temperatures below normal for March.  I see frost on the windshields this morning.  With Easter just around the corner and outdoor chores piling up, there's been ample opportunity lately for "patience and grace" in the garden.

Still, things are happening.  Cherry trees and daffodils are starting to bloom all around the neighborhood. The lawn is ankle high.  The bonsai are covered with delicate new leaves. I've replanted the cannas and begonias that wintered over out in the shed. The geraniums are taking off again.  How often does that happen?  I actually made it through Costco yesterday without buying a bag of new bulbs or some annuals.  This mild winter gives us a head start in the garden.

When it finally comes out, the sun is strong but the air is still cold.  John is starting to sit on his wine bench again for a few minutes before dinner, getting some natural vitamin D on a few inches of exposed skin.   Notice our fashionable Spring attire in the Northwest...