Spring has sprung here in NC. Which, of course, means that it's in the 70s and 80s during the day, and still occasionally drops to freezing temps at night. Up here on the third floor, I haven't had to do much to protect my seedlings - I'm more worried about not watering them enough than seeing them perish to cold.
The boys and I went to Michigan for a week during spring break and, of course, had a marvelous time galavanting between the homes of various friends and family. My tolerance for cold has all but evaporated, but I must admit that unlike springs here in the south, spring in the ice box is much more a cause for celebration. Here, greenery more or less pops into existence. In Michigan, each new bud and bloom is revered and celebrated.
So, my patio is ready for a new garden season. Pots are scrubbed and shelves are cleared, and I need to start thinking about what I'm planting. There are a few plants still going, but most (even the perennials) managed to die because I forgot that, in the south, in the winter, on a patio, you must water all year round. Oops.
The what-to-plant debate has been further complicated by the fact that I don't know what to do about my community garden spot. The garden leader has decided to move me from last year's spot to a different one, and I object. I put close to $100 worth of soil improvements in my plot last year, and to have to start from scratch this year would SUCK. I've bemoaned the places' excessive rules and stupid policies before (and if the new plot the dude gives me is one that was overrun with mint last year, I'm really gonna be pissed). I object to the enforced "community building" crap - I don't want to be social, thankyouverymuch, I just need some dirt. And truth be told, my patio is plenty of work already. But oh, the sunshine my plants get at the plot... it absolutely can't be rivaled here.
Quinn misses roses. I can't do sunflowers properly on the patio. Or peppers. I should probably just suck it up, especially since I've already paid the $30 annual fee. Don't worry, I'll talk myself back into yet. But I think my irritation at losing last year's work is justified.
Tomorrow I think I'll be off to do some plant shopping and pick up some dirt. But today, I'm enjoying a mostly unobstructed view from the patio, in perfect weather, with a hot cuppa and the pumpkin bread I made last night. Life is good.
