I am declaring that freezing temperatures are over and we can freely plant tomato plants into the ground starting Saturday! (Pretty much what I declared the first week of April last year.)

You're probably right. Last year, though, we had a hard freeze here on April 15th, and with that fresh in my mind, I know I won't really relax until that date has passed. And, when it froze on April 15, 2007, that was the first freezing temperature we had recorded in Love County since March 15, 2007.

Dawn I am sure we have some signs of spring around here but being in town unless my own plantings are blooming I can't see all the things you can. You are blessed.

We did have a hummingbird a couple of evenings ago and I filled a feeder to let him know I would put one out. He was more than likely the scout.

The most noticeable signs I have here at my house are landscaping supplies sitting on my patio waiting to be used. Plants sitting there needing to be gotten into the ground....and me feeling very frustrated over the weather most days....lol.

Enjoy! And then enjoy it a little more for me too, okay?

G.M.

I think at best there will be a light frost here on the property Saturday morning and possibly a freeze at worst. Clear skies and no wind means temps will drop like a rock here. Forecasted low of 43 can easily become 33 or even 30. I've moved the things I have on the back porch to the greenhouse the other day.

After Saturday a slow migration of my tropicals starts from the house and greenhouse to outdoor growing areas. The safe area covered by shade cloth on the back porch first, then out into the yard in in a few weeks after hail chances diminish some.

Had a hummer buzzing around on the back porch yesterday looking for a feeder, so I fixed him up.

randy

G.M.,

My irises are blooming today. It seems like something new pops up daily.

Randy,

I am very concerned about the forecasted low too and would not be surprised to see light frost. As you know, our microclimate is similar to yours and it always pays to be cautious.

Tonight I will cover up my 22 tomato plants that are in the ground with pots or buckets or something, and maybe a blanket or two thrown over the whole bed.

I have moved flats of seedlings from the screened-in porch to the great outdoors....and then moved them back in again so many times that they are now earning Frequent Traveler points. However, on the days they do get sunshine, they are incredibly happy.

I bet your plants are ready to get outside and sit in the lovely warmth of the sun. I'm glad you're seeing hummers too. I've had them for a few weeks, but they didn't seem like they were "sticking around". I guess they've just been passing through on their way north. This week, more seem to be staying around longer at the blooming vines and feeders, so maybe "our" hummers are home.

Here's hoping we don't get hit too hard by frost tonight or tomorrow morning. I am so ready for just a little stability in the temperatures.

Dawn

I haven't seen any hummers here yet, though I've have had the feeders out for a couple of weeks.

I think I can get by at least one more week without mowing. Have been hearing mowers in my neighborhood, though.

The daffodils that I planted with very cold fingers in December are still looking very beautiful, and I should have tulips blooming soon from the same planting.

My butterfly bush is getting ready to bloom - much earlier than in the past. No irises yet. Hollyhocks and foxgloves filling out nicely. Lots of cosmos have come up already as have some larkspur.

I know some think violets are intrusive, but the violets that cover my front yard are plump and beautiful this year. I've never seen the blooms grow so large. Ajuga is also blooming beautifully right now. This is all under my huge pecan tree that will shade everything out in a few weeks. Right now that area is still getting sun, though.

Monarda is sprouting everywhere. I'll probably have to thin it out this year.

On Easter Sunday I had a nice salad with the arugula, parsley and cilantro that overwintered. Spinach and lettuce should be ready for eating soon, too. No sign yet of my asparagus. I covered it over a few weeks ago with sand, some compost and manure, to make the spears grow stronger. Maybe should have done that in the fall, though. I hope I haven't smothered it for this year. usually I forget it's there until it has grown into a big, tall fern border.

Those are a few signs I've noticed in my yard.

Pat,

It sounds like the winter rains have made your plants happy--early and lush. Isn't that nice? It makes up for some of the annual summertime struggles when no rain falls and the plants are not happy. Well, except for last summer, when the rains did fall in excess and the plants weren't any happier about it than we were.

Is the Monarda that will need thinning the same Monarda that wasn't doing so well a couple of years ago?

Your Easter Sunday salad must have been quite a treat. I am never happier than we are eating a meal from the garden.

I'm surprised your asparagus isn't up, but I bet it will pop up any day now.

I am so glad spring is here, but we have a cold night coming here tonight, so I'm assuming that is true for most of the rest of the state as well.

Dawn