While it's been a long winter here in Nova Scotia, Canada, I do think...we are experiencing 'the change'. Gosh, that sounds like a menopause statement...but there are comparisons. The move from a time of life to another, although I do not think the drake and his missus below know anything about menopause. While I do!! But they do know, it is time to chose a mate, and to show her around the neighbourhood.
For the last few years, he's brought a significant other to our garden, only at this time of year. I feel he is saying..."well, here's the pond....and you have a nice feast under the bird feeders, quiet neighbourhood. Now, what about making some healthy babies". He is very attentive and very handsome. Actually, this is the first time we've had an amount of water they could paddle in and around the raised beds. Made my day just watching their loving attention to each other and his pride.
Yesterday was full of sunshine; 'let the raking begin'. Bulbs were freed from their leaf layer. Oh what a difference a day makes not just to the garden, but to the heart and the body. Yes, it aches today but in a good way.
I discovered accidentally that broad beans can take an incredible amount of cold if you have a cold frame. Already mine are showing wonderful growth, and the seeds only went in the ground a week or so ago.
I soak them a bit inside, till I just see them sprouting and on the first decent day, tuck them in the raised bed covered with a cold frame top (seen above with ducks), as the soil is usually loose and warm. Still frozen down below though. But those broad beans take like a duck to water. Amazing. Starting them early gives you a head start on avoiding the black aphid that loves them. These are dwarf broad beans so really looking forward to see how they preform.
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Brenda, I just love the ducks in he the 'pond' beside your raised bed. I'm glad the snow is gone and spring has arrived for you.
ReplyDeleteErin...what you can't see is the other side of the garden which still has snow on it! But on the 'pond' side, it is clear. BTW, that pond is all gone today. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWhat a lovely welcoming wreath to have on the door. It must have been great to see the ducks going about their business right in front of you. Broad beans already! Mine have only just gone in I hope they do as well as yours.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elaine. It's an old refurbished wreath and I really enjoyed putting it together. The ducks were a delight, but the pond is gone today. I do hope your broad beans do well. Some years it's a miss, other years great. This new dwarf variety is new to me.
DeleteDo you have ducklings each year too?
ReplyDeleteHi Sue. Yes we usually do have ducklings each year. We live in a little cove and they raise them there. If we are lucky, and we aren't always, but if we are, usually about five make it. Depends on the predators.
DeleteHow good to feel the change in the seasons at last. Hope you have a good growing season. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteSarah, I hope sincerely, the same for you.
ReplyDeleteYuppie for spring and aching back;)
ReplyDeleteYes indeed Aga!
DeleteWelcome to Spring and Wow to you for sharing such a fantastic welcoming wreath on the door, I thought to myself why do people on show such pretty wreaths around Christmas time, so hoorah to you for breaking the norm! The duckies surely entertained you. I have broad beans ready to go into the ground, but i haven't finished the weeding yet. Hopefully I will get it all done before the w/e comes.
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Really looking forward to your new garden growing Shaheen. Looks great so far. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWe were beginning to feel the change complete with occasional hot flashes.(LOL It was really quite warm last evening when we went to bed.) The mood swings are pretty wild: we actually had snow last week.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a pond, but the Credit River is as high as I have seen it. Our sump pumps are going off more often than usual.
It is somewhat silly, but I like it when creatures like birds, muskrats and even rabbits pay my garden a visit or choose it their home. I always feel a little flattered. Have a wonderful Easter Bren!
We have a garden girl heart with regard to the creatures around us, feeling a little flattered by their presence. Thanks for the update on your river and surroundings. Wishing you also, a wonderful Easter.
DeleteI have a garden full of pairing birds at present too - including some Jays, and I think a pair of Wrens. My Broad Beans are about 18 inches tall now, and have flowers on already, so I hope it won't be very long before I'm harvesting. Like you, I prefer to start them as early as possible.
ReplyDeleteYou get so much from your garden Mark, I follow your progress with great interest. I note also, Blue Jays, Mourning Doves, junko's and crows are pairing here. Last year was the first time I saw fledging blue jays. So the nest must have been very close. Broad beans here about three inches now. Others I planted without sprouting in house, but put in ground same day, only just coming through the soil. Lovely to compare gardens 4000 miles apart.
DeleteWhat a lovely wreath!! How neat to have the ducks visit like that. We have several doves that hang around together here and two partridges nesting in a tree on the property at dusk. I love being able to observe them!
ReplyDeletelovely wreath & garden visitors. our neighbours often have ducks stopping by to swim in their pool :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb for your kind remark. We have not seen the ducks for awhile so I expect they are homesteading down by the sea now. Lots of other birds nesting around us though. Love your paintings. Are you the same Deb that asked to use the photo of the rose hip jelly I wonder. Enjoy your day. GB
DeleteDid somebody say wreath!? That's a beauty Brenda. I have been weaving veg throughout the borders this year and I have had you in mind. I am trialling several new salad crops and whilst its early days I will be blogging later in the year them. Glad to see the temps are more favourable for your garden and that things are springing into growth. All the best.
ReplyDeletePaul x
Dear Paul: Blush....My wreath can't hold a candle to your masterpieces but it did put a spring in my heart and looks inviting on the summerhouse door. Thank you for thinking of me and your kind comment. I will look forward to your later post on veg in the borders. Chard looks stunning, and have seen that used with great success at our Victorian Halifax Public Gardens in Halifax, N.S. Yes, temps are getting up there now, but still cool at night. Best to you as well Paul x
DeleteHow did I miss this? The wreath is just beautiful - made me smile to see your name on it!
ReplyDelete"Together, a great place to be". Love that sign with the duckies underneath. :))) Great shot. I heard how quickly it all melted here. First thing I did when I got home was check the basement for water! luckily we were dry but many were not this year.
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