I can’t believe it is already the beginning of March and Spring is fast approaching.  Through most of January the garden was blanketed in snow so there was very little to report.  In February, my husband and I managed to escape to the Cook Islands again and welcomed the warm weather despite a number of tropical rain storms.  It is a great place to go snorkeling particularly as the bays are protected by the surrounding coral reef.  Always enjoy mixing with the local people too who make you feel very welcome. 

Our Warm Escape to Rarotonga, Cook Islands 

I was fully expecting to return to deep snow but thankfully the last few days have been quite mild.  I have been busy clearing away all the greenery left over from Christmas which prompted me to start adding a few Spring related decor to liven up the living room.  

Meanwhile in the garden the unexpected sunshine prompted me to start doing some garden cleanup.  I always have to watch myself this time of the year as I can overdo it.  Putting mulch down last fall has certainly helped my garden beds.  I have been slowly pruning off the stalks on the perennials.  Raking away the leaves has exposed numerous spring bulb shoots.  I can’t wait to see them bloom.  Tulips definitely do better here than daffodils but the miniature daffodil bulbs are doing fine.  There are a number of hellebores coming into bloom and my witch hazel has never looked so good this year.  It has masses of yellow spiky blooms.  

I know it is forecasting some more winter weather but just having these few sunny days boosts me up no end.  Plenty more flowers and foliage to look forward to in the months ahead.

Wishing you all a very happy gardening season.