It’s hard to believe that this time last year we still had a fair amount of snow on the ground, and that this time two years ago, we were building a snowman with a cheesy NASCAR ballcap. We’ve had our mildest winter in a few years, and I can’t complain. Yesterday it was warm and dry enough that I was actually able to clean up a few flower beds.

The hubby has already started turning soil and digging for rocks. We’re a month ahead of schedule.

Here comes the garlic that Sam and I planted last fall. He loves garlic so he’s looking forward to this little harvest when it’s ready.

The only seedlings on the go right now are the marigolds (not sure what variety as the hubby mixed up all the seed collected last year). We decided to hold off on starting tomatoes until the end of the month. Staring at scraggly, brittle starter plants in May while waiting for planting day is just depressing.

This year’s game plan is to focus on what we’re good at growing and work to maximize space. We’ll concentrate on potatoes, squash, pole beans, onions and tomatoes, as well as container radishes and herbs. We also decided to put our names on a list for a CSA-farm produce basket. I have a feeling they have better luck at carrots than we normally do (we fail at spacing them properly).

Oh, and I picked up Gayla Trail’s new book Grow Great Grub! I’ve been neck-deep in schoolwork and home improvements so believe it or not I’ve been holding off on reading it. I plan to crack it open this week.

Spring is a season of new beginnings and possibilities. I couldn’t be happier about its arrival!

This shower-kissed phlox was photographed this past summer at my hubby’s aunt’s farm.

…I’m missing the lazy, fragrant blooms of late summer. I’m kicking myself for not having photos of our peegee hydrangeas in all their Victorian glory (is it just me, or is there something very Victorian about those antique rose blossoms?) So this picture of blossoms I brought indoors (and lasted an afternoon) will have to do.

Now that the yard is wet and still snow-less with the memories of the growing season still on display – from tall brown grasses to slimy hosta remnants – I’m looking at the photos I’ve compiled over the summer and neglected to post with a bit of nostalgia. So if I happen to post a photo of phlox in the middle of February, you’ll know why.

From the Dalai Mama Dishes blog: a use for all my roma tomatoes.

Giggle and feel outrage over my friend getting rejected by a telemarketer. The utter shame!

A great post on canning from You Grow Girl.

And would you believe that while on my big trip with the hubby to NYC a few weeks ago, I was able to visit this place? Ok, it’s not the best known landmark, but for me it beats Macy’s.