A Midwest Spring

Spring has always been my favorite time of year. No matter how many times I have seen a hyacinth in bloom, each spring is like the first time. That is what spring is to me - a celebration of newness and firsts. This isn't just any bee... it's the first bee.

This is the first year we have put out these oriole feeders. They may not hold the healthiest treat, but they sure do grab the attention of these beauties! We are researching what else orioles like to eat. I don't mind providing a little treat now and then, but I would love to add more natural foods to the mix.

I am very proud of the fact that I was able to photograph this little guy the very first time I saw him at our home this year! I saw hummingbirds the same day, but wasn't able to get them on camera.

My first cherry blossom of the year opened up last week. I am working on making a tiny orchard, keeping the fruit trees short and compact by using specific pruning methods. I have no desire to purchase or use heavy equipment to harvest my fruit with. So far, this is our only fruit tree. It's a Montmorency cherry, which produces tart cherries, great for pies! We plan to put in apples, plums, and some sweet cherries this year.

During this long, cool spring, the daffodils provided a much-needed ray of sunshine to the dreary days. They are done for the year now. I have dead-headed them and will leave the foliage to help them build their bulbs for even more flowers next spring
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The flowerbed was very nice earlier this spring. At our previous home, I had mostly summer-blooming flowers. While it is still much fuller later in the year, I started adding the spring-flowering bulbs from the start so I can get some color sooner. The hyacinth, crocus, daffodils, and tulips do not disappoint. They have been in place long enough now that we will dig and divide them this fall. I am sure next spring will be incredible, since they should be able to nearly fill the entire bed once spread out!

We have moved the raised garden bed frames from the backyard to the front. The dogs just don't stay out of them, and we are tired of the electric fence surrounding the garden. We should be able to get them filled with dirt over the weekend and start the planting process soon after.