More signs of spring

Today is sunny but breezy. Hilda and I had a nice walk. Each time I’m able to get outside, I see more signs of life. I’m sad to report there is no activity where the white trillium is supposed to be. There is one rather lonesome-looking red trillium making an appearance by the garage. Too soon to tell if that bump in the middle will or will not turn into a flower.

Red trillium

The prairie smoke is doing very well and will be in full flower soon.

Prairie smoke

The wild ginger is up near the creek. Once this plant gets going, it is capable of outcompeting weeds. It will be interesting to see if it can prevail against the ubiquitous garlic mustard and reed canary grass.

Wild ginger

The trees are flowering all over, giving a fuzzy appearance to the thicket that borders the west side of our land.

Boxelder flowers

The tiny cotyledons on the wetland are big enough this week to show up in a picture. They all look a lot alike. It is probably more evidence that they are, in fact, all the same kind of weed. I don’t see any sign yet of the oats we planted as a cover crop. The birds may have eaten most of those seeds. I am going to spread more oats tomorrow in hopes that we get the rain that is predicted. The last front dumped rain all around us, leaving us with only 0.3”. Terry persists in telling me every morning how much rain we do or do not need. I remind him that it isn’t financial aid—rain is not awarded according to need.

Tiny cotyledons among the dead grass leaves

Hilda’s seedlings are doing well. We hope to start planting onions, potatoes, and cabbage next weekend.