March crocus and March winds

My mother's garden was full of little "snow" crocus. I'm not sure how she accomplished it! I've tried to get the smaller varieties established on the manor but to no avail. This property seems to support the larger varieties, and that's really okay. 

Years ago I planted a row along the eastern side of the patio and finally - finally! - this year they really put on a bit of a show. I wish the Lord of the Manor was here to enjoy it with me. 

It seems strange that I've spent over forty years planting bulbs all over the place and I still don't seem to have enough crocus, daffodil, tulips, snow glories, and bluebells. I've reconciled myself that I never will have my woods full of daffodils, or if I do, I'll be dead before I see it again the next spring. Such is life. 

Today was the classic March day - rain, wind, sunshine, snow squalls, fluffy white clouds, blue sky, and then do it all over again. I hated to go outside in the wind, but the Lord of the Manor is in rehab for physical therapy and I'd promised him coffee from home. Now that I've returned home, I think a cup of tea in front of the wood stove may be in order.  

March always brings a mixed bag of weather that can be frustrating to those living in rural areas. I, and many others, are eager to be outside preparing for a garden and tidying the yard. A cold, wet, and windy March doesn't lend itself to such activities. 

Some days my outside activities are no more than walking around the property and observing what is blooming. And some days, that's enough.

The Lady of Holly Tree Manor/The Hideaway

Holly Tree Manor, The Hideaway, March, crocus, daffodils, bulbs, country lifestyle, rural living, gardening, yard work, tea, coffee, weather

Where did they come from?

We've certainly had some nice, sunny days this February. And the countdown to spring stands at twenty-seven days! Deuce and I took full advantage of the sunshine and fifty-degree temps this afternoon. I "worked" and the dog wandered about the yard.

I don't worry about him when we're outside. He's eight, and disappearing off the property is something he's yet to do. Even when we walk down the lane and Cousin Dave is outside, Deuce will look at me and wait for me to tell him it's okay before he trots down to meet his favorite cousin. 

So I worked at various things. One of my woodpiles was hastily stacked and I've hated looking at it all winter. The cousin insisted I put skids (pallets) down, which did not work. For one thing, critters took up residence in the dry space the pallets provided. Not good, not good. The second thing was the skids themselves. They were old and they collapsed under the weight of the firewood. Oops. Sorry, not sorry Mr. Possum. Your squatter rights have been rescinded! 

Anyway, I restacked the firewood the way my grandfather used to do it. I used two trees as end supports and stacked as high as my head. Then I moved to the other side of one of the trees and stacked to the next tree. It not only looks good, but it created a little windbreak for when we split firewood for the 2025-26 season. My woodyard will be nice and tidy for the summer. 

But that's not why I'm writing about today. Before I started stacking, Deuce and I took a stroll around the manor. I spotted crocus blooming in a spot where I've never planted crocus bulbs. I can only assume the wind played a big part in it. 

Spring will be here in the blink of an eye. It'll be time to switch to full gardening mode. I'm grateful for these sunny days that give me the opportunity to get so many things off my to-do list before the summer heat hits and I melt. Melting is just not pretty.

The Lady of Holly Tree Manor/The Hideaway

Holly Tree Manor, The Hideaway, crocus, spring, seasons change, firewood, yard work, rural living, country lifestyle, a writer's life, black Labrador Retriever, gardening

I don't often see this - stunted daffodils

The first daffodils of 2021 are up and in bud. They're a bit stunted from coming up under snow, but still a welcome spring sight. 

I confess I've never before seen such short little beauties. The only explanation for it is the snow cover we had for such a long time, which is not usual in our micro-climate. I'm eager to see if they shoot up in height before they open or if they'll open as they are.

There are other daffodils up, but none had buds on yet. Did the snow insulate these? Is it just a nice warm and sunny spot? Mother Nature loves to do things like this and I'm happy to have spotted them and to enjoy yet another simple country pleasure. 

The Lady of Holly Tree Manor

Volunteer crocus are always welcome

The first crocus of 2021 are open! I didn't plant them where they are but that hardly matters. I was delighted to spot them on my afternoon walk. 

I used to have a lot more crocus scattered about the manor, and I think I'll purchase a bag or two of bulbs the next time I see them. Driving up to the house and seeing the crocus blooming in a wave across the woods gave me a happy feeling. I'm sure now that I'm home more, seeing crocus happily blooming everywhere will make me even happier! 

Seeing the crocus tells me it's time to start paying attention to what's coming up. The little blue snow glories should make an appearance any day now. They've multiplied over the years to where they make quite a showing. I've thought, many times, I need to dig a few of those tiny bulbs and plant them at the top of the lot. They will self-seed and like all plants, the seeds tend to do better heading down a hill. 

It really is the simple country pleasures that make life enjoyable, at least at Holly Tree Manor. 

The Lady of Holly Tree Manor