Spring is Here.

3-21-21 SHORT HILLS: It is spring here. Today and yesterday were warm, shirtsleeve days with lots of sun. We got back from VT in mid-afternoon to find the last of the snow piles down to a snowball sized piece. All the early shrubs and trees show swollen buds or small leaves just opening. The grass is greening up. Pollinators are flitting around. The birds are pairing up. Snowdrops are everywhere and lots of crocus and snowflakes are open. 

Today I raked up the debris in the driveway and on the terraces and paths around the house and the part of the lawn behind the house. I dumped several tarp-loads of leaves and sticks on the compost pile. I pulled a bunch of sticks out of the shrubs and broke them up. 

The many jobs to be done always seem overwhelming at this point, but in a few weeks everything will be done, including fertilizing, pruning, planting new stuff where needed. 

Now that everything is in business, I am terrified about new snow storm, but the 10 day forecast looks OK. 

New blooms: snowflake, elm, red maple. 

Snowflake is an obvious cousin of snowdrop, opening a few days later.

Crocus are such a bright surprise and welcome burst of color at this time.

More crocus.

Pussy willow buds.

Maizie often walks around with me, here lying in the pachysandra.