Despite living in a “cold” climate, I’m a warm-weather gal. I love sunshine and can handle heat, raised in one of the hottest, most humid places in America. Don’t get me wrong, I love Connecticut ‘s four seasons; there’s nothin’ like a fall day pickin’ punkins and havin’ cider on a crisp afternoon. But spring here can be fickle – warm or cold. We’ve spent many Easters in snow boots instead of sandals. When Mother Nature recently gifted us with an early, warm Spring, I “sprung” into action. There’s lots to do! Come see what’s on my “Outdoor To Do” list, and pick up some tips!
One of my favorite tin wall-hangings
All I can say is WOW! I live in Florida and it’s warm and sunny most of the time so I can fully understand the excitement and burst of energy to get out of the house and into the garden. Sounds great, keep us posted!
MaryAnn, I’ve been to Florida several times. Love the weather there, as well. Here, everyday something new is blooming, so that can be exciting. (Although the weeds bloom first! Ugh)! Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
My "dream" was to be on a deserted island with a seed catalog..great ideas..gardening has been a real challenge the past few years..Im lusting after some zuchinni and eggplant..have many new recipes to try..Happy Spring! We are sprouting out all over here in central Pa.
Hi Donna! I used to live in PA, too, about fifteen years or so ago. I didn’t realize just how different the gardening zone would be just a few hours drive away, going from PA to CT. One of the best ‘going away’ presents back then was from a friend, who gave me Martha Stewart’s book, Gardening Month by Month. It was one of her earliest books back when she still lived in Westport, CT. I always say I wish I had more warm weather here, but to be honest, it is a nice break from weeding in the winter! Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole
You are so busy! I envy you the early season, but ours is finally here. We are planting my sweet peas today, barring interruptions. I like the "Mammoth" variety. So fragrant, and they give great big blooms from spring until the end of September here. I fell in love with Martha Stewart’s gardening book, too. It’s one of the few that this old tightwad actually paid full price for. Don’t you love her rose arrangements? Thanks for your blog. I always enjoy it.
Coreen, thanks for reading and commenting! You didn’t mention where you are, but sounds like you are in a colder climate than here. Hope you have a wonderful day planting your sweet peas! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Nicole.
As always just love your blog! Looks like you have been very busy and getting a lot accomplished. I have broccoli,spinach,lettuce and snow peas planted in my raised bed that I cleaned so far. Have several others that I have yet to tackle. LOL
SO much to do, so little time, But little by little it will get done.
Enjoy the gorgeous early spring we have been having!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Laurie
Laurie, thank you ever so much! Yes, there’s lots to do, but it’s a labor of love. You’re right – little by little it will get done. Take care and Happy Spring!! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Hey Nicole! I’m right there with ya sister! The early warm spring weather seems to be all over New England… Thanks goodness! This has also been the sunniest winter I can remember in the ten years we’ve been living in MA. A gift from above for this sunshine starved farmgirl! Nevada had four seasons too, and ALL OF THEM are SUNNY! I love all you are up too. Your bird feeders are adorable and I love how you planted and marked your seeds too! Looks like spring has found you for sure! Enjoy and thanks for the cheery spring visit! Loved it!
Your bloggin’ sis in Plymouth!
Deb
Hey Deb,
That’s a good way to put it…"sunshine starved". This has been a beautiful spring, for sure. Way better than some of the soggy, cold, wet-all-the-time springs we have had in the past. Glad it’s warm up there in MA, too. Enjoy! Happy Easter!
-Nicole
LOVE your floral wellies…and all the pics of your recent gardening goings-on. You’ve got an earlier start on your green-thumb projects than some of us. I’m still solidly in the waiting game, but spring is coming and its just a matter of weeks now. Thanks for leading the way :o)
Thanks, Shery! My old wellies got a hole in them from the nasty raccoon that visited us a few blog entries back. Have patience, spring is just around the corner, right? Big farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole,
I too have gone from winter "cozies" to spring "posies", I finally went to knitting classes & learned to knit (inspired by YOU) and finished some crochet projects (I got #1 son’s crocheted blanket done!!!) Now on to Posies, I have seeds sprouting all over my kitchen windows, tomatoes, bell and jalapeno peppers, and lots of basil (FRESH salsa in just a few short months!). I also took a couple of english ivy cuttings and put them in water, no roots yet – soon I hope.
I had an extra clear jar and put it in the window with some yellow food coloring and water, looks BEAUTIFUL with the sun shining through….I STILL LOVE your blog, you truly inspire me. Best from your Indiana "sister".
Patricia, Oh my goodness! Thank you. You’ve warmed my heart like spring sunshine for sure! I’m so happy you are knitting and crocheting…you’ll have to send me a picture of your project! Good for you!! I like your idea of the jar with colored water! I’m going to do that for my daughter’s windowsill – she will love it! Thank you for the idea and for leaving me such a wonderful comment. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Nicole You didn"t say but you will be in TEXAS at this time next week…the weather was in the high 80’s. We worked in the yard all day.The limes, lemons, oranges, and tomatoes are already heavy with fruit. I can’t imagine with such cold weather! Here in Texas we already had our 6 days of spring – we are now in summer. We all are looking for your visit, and have ordered great weather for your visit home! See you in 6 days.
Love Dad
Been harvesting red and green leaf lettuce and spinach. My tomatoes, peppers and zucchini are doing well. We had the perfect mix of rain and sun the last few weeks in East TN. Love all things family, home and garden. I might be a mix between Martha and MaryJane – it’s all good.
Sharon, I giggled when you said you are a mix of Martha and MaryJane. For years, my hubby used to call me "Martha, Jr." Now we often say, "Hmm…what would MaryJane do?" Thanks for reading. Enjoy your harvest. Sounds great! Can’t wait to be harvesting in our nook of the world. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole