WRITING THIS WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN

And I can't tell you how much I'm loving it!  It's been absolutely glorious here since Friday.  I'm starting to get tan!  More importantly, I have completed garden clean-up and I've got a nice blank canvas ready for planting:

 

And VPH mowed the lawn/marsh marigolds:

And cleaned up the patio (I cleared out the herb barrel saving any perennial herbs that survived the winter):

All the better to enjoy our awesome bulb border:

And the pretty marsh marigolds in bloom until the leaves on the trees fill in and they die:

I'm so loving the tulips (now appearing in yellow and orange):

That I can't stop photographing them:

I find it so peaceful sitting on the patio staring at this border, listening to the wind chimes, and watching the grasses move in the wind.  I wanted to share the experience with you, so I've uploaded a short video here.

Someone still has to weed this bed, though you can see that the hostas have come back, and the fence is down.  The reed fence we bought was too see-through and we won't be using it.  I think we're just going to have to deal with seeing the neighbors since we can already hear them:

In the perennial shade garden I've got bleeding hearts:

 

And fiddle-heads:

 

VPH has lots and lots of stuff to cut into small pieces for compost:

 

The grill is back in its proper location, but I can't get over how different the space feels without those 3 trees.  Granted, the leaves and brush haven't filled in yet and the marsh marigolds have yet to die:

 

But just compare it to what it used to look like:

Much bigger now, no? 

I just watched the weather for Tuesday, 80s at home, 90s at the office (62 miles north).  This is just odd for CT in April.  Then we're back down to the 60s (normal for this time of year) on Wednesday and hopefully then I won't feel so much like I'm behind on my gardening.

Comments

[Melisa]

I'm loving the tulips. They are so very pretty. Around here, we don't really get a cold enough winter for them to bloom reliably, so we have to dig them up and put them in the fridge for 6 weeks. I'm too lazy to mess with it, but I'm so happy to see pics of yours!

I did start a gardening blog. http://www.gardenstew.com/blog/index6296.html I'm smiles4sunshine54. Take a peek - I'd be grateful for any suggestions you can offer.

[Heather's Garden]

Melisa -- No way would I dig up tulip bulbs and put them in the fridge for 6 weeks, just wouldn't happen. Glad you're enjoying mine vicariously. I'll check out your blog and leave a comment tonight.

[Nancy Bond]

Isn't it wonderful? It looks like you're all set and ready to start gardening! Your spring tulips are so bright and cheery.

[Carole]

Hi Heather,
Thanks for coming over to visit. Your bulbs look great and I can see why you can't stop taking pictures of them...You'll be happy you did come January and you can enjoy them all over again. The weather has been really freaky and it's made everyone come out wanting to buy all the things they shouldn't be planting yet. Well I guess that's no different then any other year now that I think of it. The most exciting part of gardening to me is seeing the little shoots come up....very thrilling. So glad it's cooling down tomorrow.
Take care,
Carole

[Mummer]

Oh, do I miss New England's Bleeding Hearts! My Mom's old-fashioned garden had all the old favorites; primrose, baby's-breath, mock orange, gladiolas - all plants that can't survive in our tropical zone.
Do you remeber your Grandmother's garden? Her DNA must be the driving force behind your talent....sure isn't mine!
P.S. The Guilford house may have some interesting plantings for you. Peonies, roses, and Rose of Sharon shrubs - they take well from cuttings.

[Layanee]

Heather, that ten degrees makes the difference between energy and lethargy! The tulips look beautiful and the video was such fun to watch. Are you ready for Logee's yet? It is getting to be time for some goodies and there is another great nursery we could visit not too far away!

[Heather's Garden]

Nancy -- It was wonderful, but It's only 50 so far this morning and I'm freezing!

Carole -- Is it any wonder we all want to rush the gardening season after the horrible winter we had?

Mom -- I really love the bleeding hearts. I remember Grandma's garden, but I wish I had taken more interest back then, she would have had a lot of knowledge to share.

Layanee -- You said it! I had a lot of lethargy going on. I'd love to do Logee's. I could actually do this Friday if we don't mind having VPH in tow.