Let's Talk about Gardens

Thank you, @fiesty76. I am looking out the window at a light covering of snow in the bright morning sun. It is even more beautiful with the mention of spring. Keep the good news coming.

I'm so not happy to report sub-zero temperatures for the next week at least. It will feel colder that the thermometer says because we will have wind and there is very little snow on the ground. Weather Report: It is cold. Expect temperatures in the single digits, dropping to minus double digits with the wind chill. Dress warm. Make sure your winter kit is updated and in the car. It is cold. Keep you gas tank filled and check your oil. Remember synthetic oil is easier on your engine in these cold temperatures. It is damn cold. Carry extra blankets, boots, snacks and water in the car. Remember, it is cold. No change expected until May. It is cold.

Yes, it's seriously cold in Minnesota this week and the land is resting under it's protective blanket of snow.
But let's think Spring.
Going out to our Master Gardeners this week is the order list for Spring Plants - that's what I've been working on with our committee all week. Here's the opening to our email:

So the weather outside is frightful,
But this offer is so delightful,
Since we've no place to go,
Let us sow, let us sow, let us sow!

Then we attach the order form and a link to all the lovely pictures of blooming flowers, waving grasses and yummy veggies.
We deliver in mid-May (hopefully we're thawed out by then!)
Sue

@fiesty76 Oh just the mention of forsythia blooming and daffodils getting ready to pop, made me me smile this morning. We’re in the frozen tundra where I live. Minus 40 windchill today and a foot of fresh snow. It’s gorgeous but it’ll be a loooooong time before anything green dares venture out of the ground!

Where are you at w/ that nasty wind-chill? Sounds like could be MN or even Canada. Here in south-central Pa....I get too cold if it's 30 degrees w/ 10 m.p.h.
winds. Would be happy to see some forsythia.Daffodils too. Had 4 inches of the white stuff a day ago. Can dream it's spring. Kathy

@katiejo59 You’re close...northern Wisconsin. It was not a walk on the beach today! Lol.

@sueinmn Does your list come with willing gardeners? That’s what I need!

This is a sale for our Master Gardeners in our county - all avid gardeners.
I just need a laborer, and I have my eye on a grand nephew. My garden helper is now a camp counselor, so I'm recruiting his cousin for this summer. He's a budding vegetable gardener, and looking to earn a little cash. Even better, he's a short bike ride from my house, so he can transport himself.

Hi, @rosemarya and other eager-for-spring gardeners. Yesterday was a beautiful, still (translate always a gift no-wind day!) here. After a lovely walk in our local wildflower park, I donned gardening duds and mask for some front yard New England aster cutting back-to-ground trimming. Because of weak knees, I've long gardened literally by-the-seat-of-my-pants and neighbors are now accustomed to that.

However, a mask less neighbor 2 houses down walked over to visit. I automatically pulled up my mask and she caught me off guard by asking, "Are you afraid of me?" I said, just wary of the invisible virus and this has become 2nd nature. Her question didn't sound as much accusatory as just truly surprised that I'd covered my face.

Having been caught much earlier in the pandemic without a mask going to the mailbox or a flower bed as neighbors came over, my mask became a "must" whenever I stepped outside. Yesterday I almost left it inside. After all, pre-Super Bowl, a Sunday, rarely see neighbors in the yard during winter, etc.

She'd called last week and knew I was to get my 2nd vacc. She and other neighbors also know I've been in self-quarantine for most of the past yr. So her question troubled me. After the visit at my table, I resumed my perennial trimming but somehow I'd lost the zest for the task. So glad I'd had the mask handy. The experience served as a caution that although spring and warmer, nice days approach, with more neighbors walking over to visit, the need for my mask will continue be very necessary.

Brrrr, @loribmt! We've had one gorgeous snowfall and it was to be savored. However, temps falling below 60 degrees now have me running to "up" the thermostat. Smiles and Kudos to you and all of our hardy members living in areas of fairyland icicles and frozen tundras!