
The calendar read March 20th, the first day of Spring, even though a glance out the window told a different story of the great outdoors. I knew if I just stepped outside in my yard, I would discover some subtle hints of Spring. It’s coming—I just know it! There are signs: I smell the earthy soil–the snow has temporarily shaken off her blanket, revealing brown earth underneath. Birds have gotten in on the act, too. I heard the loud chirp of a beautiful, male cardinal just the other day. And like every year, some new mystery bird, looking for a nesting place, has found its way into the depth of our giant rhododendron that leans against the house in our front garden. The rose bushes, even with their ever-present thorns, seem to be reaching out and begging for their Spring haircut. The Sunny Bear Garden pathway, lined with bricks out front, is now visible–but so are the scars from an overzealous plow guy. Even with the bricks askew, I am full of anticipation, because I planted lemony yellow tulip bulbs all along the pathway this past Fall. Scars or not, I know those tulips will persist and emerge triumphantly—soon—very soon! The trellis at the end of this pathway has withstood the wrath of winter. It stands tall and mighty, waiting to be adorned with flowers. I have just the right one in mind: the back-eyed Susan vine, which grows quickly and seems to know how to climb the trellis as it heads for the sky. I smile as I envision the front Sunny Bear Garden: majestic and tall sunflowers against the backdrop of the garage; smaller two- foot teddy bear sunflowers below them, sturdy “fuzzballs” just waiting to delight a child. The biggest question: where do I place the sunflower bench so all can pause a moment to look at the sunflower beauty all around them?




I walk to the back yard and appraise the garden there. I can still see remnants of the furrowed rows where I planted last summer. I know that soon—very soon— this space will be filled with sunflowers, zinnias, and cupcake cosmos. I am appeased by the signs I see because I know what the yard can become. With a little luck and love for my gardens, I can feast my eyes on brilliant colors, happy pollinators, and endless vases filled with bouquets–the bounty for all the hard work that goes into gardening.
Now if I can just assemble my new “easy-seeder” machine, which may take me the next few months to figure out… But I will be ready for Spring!

L. Lime Green
U. Under the leaves and soil
C. Clear a path!
K. Kudos to Spring!
