What are you planting this season?

In case you are asking, “Where is spring?”

I have been asking the same question.

The weather has been somewhat unpredictable these past weeks. Instead of warm spring showers, I have had to stay indoors to shelter from the strong winds and turn on the heat to fight the cold spells.

How has it been for you so far?

Hang in there!

Spring will show up in your part of the world if it still needs to do so.

Below are some thoughts and images of my adventures with spring, flowers, and gardening.

Azaleas are in full bloom.

Springtime heralds azaleas in their glory. The blooms are brilliant, and the colors are breathtaking. The azaleas’ burst of colors heralds the planting season’s start for me.

The garden comes alive as once dormant plants shed dried stems and branches as new growth emerges. Spring brings hope and signals a time for rebirth and new beginnings.

You may be fortunate enough to have azaleas in the garden. If not, fret not. They are found along the trails, yards, and botanic gardens.

Perchance, there may be an Azalea Festival near you. For instance, you can plan a visit to Wilmington, North Carolina, for the Annual Azalea festival. Governor Roy Cooper signed the proclamation announcing the 76th “North Carolina Azalea Festival,” which runs from April 12–16.

What I am growing this season

I am determined to grow as many herbs and vegetables as possible this season.

One of the many joys of gardening is stepping out in the backyard and delicately plucking some fresh mint or parsley to brew herbal tea or add flavor to a favorite dish.

I planted seeds indoors early this year, and in haste to plant, I ditched the waterproof plant tags and opted for the quick sticky noted option. A terrible idea because the sticky notes won’t stay in place, and the ink will soon disappear.

No worries, though.

The cucumbers, thyme, bok choy, sorrel, and dill have already sprouted. They will soon be transplanted into their new home containers.

What’s blooming in my garden

I am harvesting one of my all-time favorite vegetables — beetroots or beets. If you have not tried growing beets, they are easy to plant, and the harvest is bountiful.

Did you know that beetroot has various nutritional properties that benefit your health?

The leaves I use in salads and the roots make a lovely roasted vegetable side dish.

Don’t be shy. Give beets a try!

What else survived the winter?

• The stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). Want to ditch sugar? Use calorie-free stevia to sweeten your drinks.
• Gogi Berry (Lycium barbarum) is back, and I am so excited. Last year I got lots of berries.
• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) hung around all winter. Love it!

I can’t wait for the harvest.

Try something new; you won’t regret it.

I am thinking about the new plant I will try this year. Annually, I find something new and exotic.

Last year it was the Malabar spinach. I purchased one plant at Whole Foods, and I loved it.

It is a climber, so I used a tomato cage to provide support.

Once the plant was fully grown, it looked like a work of art. Hence, I took many pictures and watched the birds enjoy the purple berries before reluctantly harvesting the leaves for soups and salads.

Are you curious about my new selection this year?

Hmmm.

Stay tuned and come back to find out.

On the road again (travel log)

Over the past few years, I’ve visited cities to capture their gardens in photos. I have interviewed some gardeners along the way as well. I can’t wait to be back on the road again.

In future articles, I will write about my adventures on the road.

Be sure to return for stories and pics of my visit to Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

Spring garden chores

The birds are everywhere. Their music feels the air, and it is a joy to listen to them being out and about in the garden.

Bring out the gloves, garden shears, pruning shears, and wheelbarrows, and let’s start spring cleaning the garden.

Now it’s time to wrap things up.

What garden adventures are you planning for Spring 2023?

Will you add new plants this season?

Are you planning to visit gardens near you?

Leave me a comment!