Spring

Dwight's most recent creation at Baca Street Pottery.
Now that we are "sheltering in place" (as all
New Mexicans are) we took some time a few
mornings ago to install this clay piece
among the Beargrass (Nolina microcarpa)
in the front yard.

Spring is the time of renewal. The changing of seasons were not so noticeable in West Sonoma County, California, but here in Santa Fe, NM, we definitely experiencing four distinct seasons. And Spring is happening, well, on most days Spring is happening. I am reminded by people walking by that snow may still fall even into early May. This occurrence often interferes with an abundance of apricots and peaches ripening on the trees. I am so anticipating apricots and peaches from our trees that are growing steadily in our backyard orchard.

Right now I am harvesting arugula from the smallest hoop house. Delish! And Dwight is moving along with another hoop house over one of our long raised beds into which I will plant the peas, seeds from last years' peas, planted in two Todd planters that are sprouting in the minigreen house. 

Successful seed planting in the minigreen house has not gone smoothly. The heat mattress did keep the temperature at 80 degrees. First the thermostat was replaced since it came from MuRefuge where it was used for 25 years. The replacement thermostat was no more effective. A replacement heat mattress just arrived as I publish this post. Peas do not need as warm a soil to sprout so the Todd planters with the sprouting peas remain in the mingreenhouse. All of the other seeds that have been planted in pots that are sitting in the house. Once the heat mattress has been replaced and proper functioning is evident everything can be moved into the minigreen house. 

Gardening in New Mexico is not for the faint of heart. Most of the farmers who grow produce to be sold at the Santa Fe Farmers Market are women. I so admire them with their creativity in growing food year round here in the high desert. I am ever so grateful the Farmers Market is open on Saturday mornings. We stock up on all the fresh veggies we eat during a week between these markets.

I dearly miss buying nutrient dense food from Singing Frogs Farm. In that vein
I am trying to figure out how to grow our own nutrient dense food here in our backyard. 

Harogem Apricot planted in the Spring, 2018, in glorious flower.
Purchased from Tooley's Trees as a 2 year old.
The double black wrought iron gate
in the background is where Shasta
can connect with each ad every passerby.

The apricot trees, it seems everyone has at least one apricot tree in their yards, are now in full flower and absolutely gorgeous.  

Clover came to Santa Fe, NM, in one of the
large clay pots transporting St. John's Wort,
Tansy, Comfrey from MuRefuge.
Shasta loves laying on the every year enlarging area.

The perennial herbs are "popping" (as Shasta's Auntie T describes) showing green. I do love Spring and all her green. We now have abundant fresh chives since I have planted them around all the fruit trees as well as in our herb garden just outside our kitchen. Culinary chive as well as garlic chive seeds have been sown for more plantings in the orchard.

Yes! Spring is here and gardening has recommenced! While I hear a number of people asking "what to do now that I am stuck at home?", my days are as busy as ever. I watch our neighbors who are working at home (with a baby only months old and a soon to be two year old) balance work and childcare. Oh my gosh, I admire both the mother and father!

Tarragon from which I have already made
baked Tarragon Yogurt Chicken.
m-m-m-m-m-m delish lunch!

Lovage grows into almost a bush by mid Summer
covered with heart stopping flowers.

And what a wonderful treat while sitting and eating breakfast: a rather large flocks of migrating robins drinking from our bird baths. No pictures were taken as we were way too enthralled with observing this Spring event.

As Spring renewal and greening delights us, may we each rejoice and