Monday, March 2, 2015

Hope and the Garden



Happy March, my friends!  For all my moaning about this winter (it turns out this has been the coldest February on record in Portland, Maine, and among the snowiest winters), I do love the light in March.  It gives me hope, and hope makes me dream about my garden.

I have ordered my flower seeds from Johnny's, as I plan to grow a cutting garden in one of the raised beds this year.  It will have as many zinnias as I can fit in shades of salmon pink, raspberry, and charteuse, as well as cosmos, nigellas, and so many other beauties. 

Right now, those beds are so deeply buried that they don't even make mounds in the snow, but I know they are there, waiting.  And the roses and lavender and black-eyed Susans in the perennial beds are, too.  


And then there are the hydrangeas.  I have lots and lots of them all around the gardens, and I cut loads of blooms to dry for the winter.  They keep me going until the first crocuses and snowdrops appear where I planted them in the grass.  Most years those early bulbs begin to bloom in mid to late March here in coastal Maine, but I think it will be April this year.  Spring will be short, but with all this snow, the ground will be wet, too, which means it will likely be lush.


I've got lots of veggies in mind.  I always grow tomatoes, lettuces, runner beans, radishes, peas, and lots of herbs.  This year I think I'm going to grow potatoes, too.  Let me know what else you think I should try.  What have you had good luck growing?


I'm thinking of you all and wondering how you're faring.  For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere who are at the tail end of winter, have you started planning your gardening season yet?  I'd love to hear what you'll be planting.  I'm also curious about when the growing season actually begins for you.  I think here in Maine we're kind of towards the extreme end of things in that our winters are long and very cold and our growing season is very short.  I'm always amazed by how much we actually get to grow in about half a year's time!  And, yes, for those who have asked me in past posts or on Instagram, yes, I would LOVE to have a greenhouse.  Maybe some year soon I'll have one.  Anything to give me more time with the plants. 

In the meantime, I'm loving the sunlight and the little spark of hope it lights in me for another season of green.

xo Gigi

P.S. Last week The Magpie's Fancy passed its 6-year mark.  I can hardly believe I've been blogging here for all these years.  Thank you for making it such a joy.

8 comments:

  1. Congratulations on 6 years!
    As you know our winter has been extremely mild, which is a bit worrisome for summer fires and heat. We have already planted peonies and snowdrops. The daffodils are in full bloom and the crocus are almost finished. The plum tree is beginning to show signs of blooming. Though I was wishing for a little snow I think I would have gone a bit crazy with the amounts of snow you got in the other Portland. Stay warm and keep dreaming.

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    1. Thanks so much, Marilyn! Your winter has truly been remarkably mild while ours has been remarkably harsh. Somewhere in between would certainly be ideal, but we will find a way to make it all work this year. Your plum tree must be glorious in full bloom. I look forward to seeing the photos! xo

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  2. Down here on the west coast of FL, this strawberry season is peaking, spring pruning/planting is well underway in our neighborhood, and my huge rosemary plant loves being outdoors! So love your writing...your words about March remind me of how I used to watch our neighbor's favorite Siamese climb cautiously over snowbanks to get down and nuzzle with the first bits of green! Here's to a steady but gradual thaw! mcr

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    1. Wow, fresh local strawberries in March would be an incredible treat. And it would be fantastic to be able to grow rosemary outside year round. I'm hoping the rosemary plant I brought in over the winter will make it another month or so, so I can bring it outside again. In my dreams I would live in a place where I could have rosemary growing into hedges everywhere! I love that image of your neighbor's Siamese. I know just how that cat feels!

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  3. Reading your words about the plans for your garden gives me hope, too. These images are so sweet, thanks for sharing them and here's to a bountiful Spring.

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    1. Yes, a bountiful spring will be just what we need! Just to see the green and to smell things growing--that will be true joy.

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  4. Such a joy to meet you in the Studio. You are incredibly gifted and I have enjoyed every minute viewing your portfolio. Amazing.

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    1. Oh my goodness, thank you so much, Carolyn! You made my day with your sweet comment. I am excited to get to know you and your work as we journey along in the Studio together. xo

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