The First Rainbow of the Season
Hello!
Last week I saw my first rainbow of the season.
It has been a couple of years since I saw them often – like this double beauty from when there were no flower beds and not yet a deer fence. Flower farming was but a dream then.
I’ll take the latest rainbow as a good sign of moister conditions, and try to rein in my inner Judy Garland. Except to note that the skies have been blue, bluebirds have been flying around the fence line, and, heck, we even had a tornado watch last night!
Then this morning there was fresh snow on the deck. Again.
Spring is arriving in its usual Canaan Valley fashion.
Inside, seed starting has now started in earnest. I am resolved to get things planted on time – even multiple times for some “one-hit wonder” flowers – because I want their blooms (lots of them!) throughout the summer and into the fall.
Luckily, I love a good spreadsheet. This time of year, I rely on the one that takes into account frost dates and germination times to tell me, week by week, what to plant.
Once the seed packet is open, there’s still a fair bit of detail to keep track of: Some seeds need light to germinate, while others want to linger half an inch deep in cool soil. Some seeds need time in the fridge or an overnight soak before touching the soil. Even the best spreadsheets have a hard time keeping track of everything! I find that, along with some good reference books, thinking of my flowers’ plant cousins and ancestors in nature helps me make sense of all the variations.
It has been tempting to race ahead, especially on some crazy 70F days. But, like people, all plants are not alike. Some plants can handle chilly spring nights, even freezing temperatures, while others would completely perish.
Primulas don’t mind a light freeze. Due to the natural antifreeze-like sugars in their cells, they can handle the ups and downs of spring. With violas or pansies, they are gracious hosts, cheerfully greeting spring while winter lingers a bit longer.
I look forward to sharing this welcome bit of color with you in the coming weeks.
Let there be flowers!
Lizz