The Garden Chronicles May 10, 2011 - Let the Season Begin!

Following a dreadfully long and snowy winter, we doubted the start of gardening by May.  But over Mothers' Day we discovered that our perennials returned early and strong, and some edibles have already made it to our dinner plates.

Here is David at work, planting one tomato plant and one squash plant in a cold frame.  It is very early to set them in the ground, but if they stay warm in the frame, we may be eating tomatoes and squash by early July!  It is worth taking a chance with just two plants.

These garlic plants were planted last fall and they wintered over very well in their cold frame.

This is 29-day lettuce, started in the cold frame the first week of May.  We may be eating lettuce by Memorial Day week, if all goes well.

The little squash and tomato plants get a drink to set them on their way.

In the main vegetable garden, two kale plants survived under the winter snow.  A nice surprise!

More surprises.  Asparagus appeared the first week of May.  We will be able to eat them at the end of this week.

In the herb garden, most have returned: chives (first ever harvest in April), summer sorrel, and organo.  The French tarragon, a strong plant in previous years, does not seem to have survived this winter.

These are Egyptian onions, but so far they look like the ordinary onion variety.  We will see what happens when/if they form a flower, for that is the part that makes them a curiosity in the garden.

These are apricot blossoms.  The four trees are covered with flowers this year, setting us up for a phenomenal harvest again this summer.

Our tulips are the show of our street this week.

These are miniature daffodils, one of several varieties that returned this spring.

The rhododendron is also show-stopper on our street.

The cherries are now starting to bloom.

Spring bulbs brighten up the alley, too.

No shortage of rhubarb this spring.  It has multiplied since last year.  The black, red, and champagne currant bushes are full of flower buds.

The hot house is brimming with plants that are ready to go outside.  If the warmer weather holds through the next couple of weeks, we will able to plant them in the ground.  Tomatoes (4 types), squash (3 types), red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, ground cherries, celery leaf, and peppers.

And let's not forget that the eggplant that has been flowering all winter but needs to go outside to form fruits.

At busy gardening day's end, wouldn't we just love to stretch out on the couch and take a nap!