March 2023 SOLC–Day 19
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“It’s so nice out!” I said, stepping outside, “I think there are even some green things in the garden.” I peered down to look closer. There was definitely some green here and there, though it was still tough to identify. “Maybe we should do a garden walk?”

“I was just thinking that!” Lydia replied. 

Lyddie, our youngest, was here for an afternoon visit, taking a detour on her way up to visit some friends. During the 2 ½ years after Covid derailed her plans after college graduation, she lived at home with us. When the weather was nice, we got into the habit of walking together around the yard, looking at the different gardens to notice new growth, changes, new blossoms, etc. It’s something I’ve missed. 

So yesterday, when spring was in the air, though snow was clearly visible, we wandered around, looking at likely spots where the snow had melted and green was returning. Some spots seemed more like an impression of green than distinct growth, but then we noticed iris and lily leaves poked through crystallized snow. The lady’s mantle was sending up tender green origamied leaves. I even noticed dark green stalks on some store-bought hyacinth bulbs that I’d planted as an afterthought last fall.

We exclaimed and admired. I picked up branches here and there, putting them in a pile for a more focused future endeavor. I paused to pull up a few random tufts of grass, enjoying the feel of cold dirt on my fingers. After a bit we ambled around to the front yard. 

“This is where the deer like to come first in the spring,” I commented. “I bet something will be up.”

“Look!” Lydia pointed.

Sure enough there was a cluster of crocuses, tightly budded but sparking purple amidst the brown and grey garden debris. 

Behind them was a rogue bud–oddly shaped, but probably a daffodil. (I’d definitely be keeping an eye on that one.)

“Everywhere you look, you see something new!” we marveled.

We continued walking and talking, gently moving leaves and poking about in each garden. I felt my spirits lift with each discovery, even the slugs.

Finally, we ended up sitting on the deck, enjoying the last few minutes of her visit. It had been a lovely garden amble, and a lovely day overall.

There’s nothing like soaking up the warmth of the afternoon sun in early spring for stimulating a little regeneration.

Spring is coming…