Tuesday, February 24, 2015

~ Signs of Spring ~


We visited these adorable sheep not far from our house last spring. Aren't they the cutest?! I was convinced that this spring we would be welcoming some sheep to our little farmstead... But for now, we are aware of our limitations, which include anything with hoofs. Stay tuned. (As in 2 - 5 years. Maybe. :)


And while it's not quite time for spring lambs yet, there are
 little signs of spring popping up all over the place! 

We are welcoming the changing of the seasons early this year in the 
Pacific Northwest. First, with the crocus...


Budding branches...



And daffodils...


This will be our second spring living here. I can safely say that I am a novice gardener (and that may be overstating it :). These bouquets of green have only appeared within the last week or two. I remember something florally growing up out of them last year, but am at a loss. Iris? Anyone? 


I've done a little research and I believe these delicate, deep purple flowers are a type of buttercup. Validation or correction, please. 


Lenten rose?


Since moving from a yard of ~9,000 square feet to an over 2 acre property, we're trying to become more realistic about gardening and yard maintenance (though I still have my dreams!).



Instead of thinking, "Today I'm going to clean this yard up," I  think, "Two or three wheelbarrows-full of clean-up is better than nothing."

Another thought I use to encourage myself is, "Well, it may not look great, but at least it won't look like an abandoned house!" This is what I tell myself most often. Seriously. And for some strange reason, it is a real motivator. Whatever works, right?


I used to think leaf clean-up was something you did in the fall. And it is. If you do it in the fall. We started then, but you guys, there were SO many leaves. You all told me to do a little bit each day and to stay on top of it. We did. But then we stopped. So here we are and life goes on... In fact, it goes on quickly with three growing boys.




And that is what I remind myself most often. We didn't move here for a magazine-worthy yard. We moved here so that our tres hermanos could have some wide open spaces... some room to roam and explore. 



We're thankful for the memories already made and look forward to more to come...

I do hope to learn more about gardening each year. One of the things I enjoy about blogging is learning from others. Thank you to those of you who have shared your gardening tips. Please, keep them coming! ;)

xo

Sharing with:
Savvy Southern Style
From My Front Porch To Yours
The Essence of Home

13 comments:

  1. I enjoyed your blog today even more than usual. We live in Connecticut and we are surrounded by SNOW! I always look for the crocus because they are a true indication of Spring but I don't think we see anything green for a long, long time. I planted 90 tulip bulbs last fall (my hubby bought an auger that fits on his drill and it made planting SO easy). I think the temp tonight is -5. I am getting too old for this and I need to move somewhere warmer. Thanks for making me think about Spring today. I can't wait!

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    1. I would love to visit Connecticut and am sure it is very picturesque all covered in snow! I hope it warms up for you soon though. All those tulips are something to look forward to... so neat about the drill attachment!

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  2. Oh, I'm so jealous that you have flowers of any variety! Or green on trees. We have snow. Love your new header.
    Brenda

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    Replies
    1. Ahhh, still, huh?! My boys would trade places in a minute to play in the snow. :) But yes, I'm ready for sunshine and warmth! Hang in there!

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  3. Oh that first photo melts my heart. They are soooo cute! I am a little jealous of your wonderful little farm but I understand from previously living on 5 acres how much work there is to do. Your place looks like a great place to raise boys. I live in the south but there is snow on the ground covering my tulips that had just poked their heads up. Your early flowers give me hope that spring will eventually get here. Love your blog.
    Linda

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    Replies
    1. Spring IS coming! And although you're ready and willing for it, enjoy the snow for us! Our boys were disappointed that we only got one light dusting this year... not enough for sledding or real snowman. Thanks for stopping by Linda! :)

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  4. you are correct about the hellebore, or lenten rose. yours are gorgeous. here in TN they bloom for abt 5 months and are one of my faves. More than anything, your post makes me wish i had 3 little boys running around again!
    What a beautiful space you have!! Thanks for sharing.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for solving the mystery - now I can say with confidence that they are hellebore or lenten rose! :) So sweet about the boys - - they are, hands down, the very best part of this place. :) Thank you for taking the time to comment. xo

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  5. How wonderful this must be for your children. This is how I grew up and then all the farmers sold their sold their property and sub divisions came in. Which is where I raised my children, but it was still home town for me. Playing out in God's beautiful world is what a kid should be doing. Thank you for reminding me of those beautiful days. :) Jo

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    1. I loved hearing your happy memories of childhood! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  6. I think you have a beautiful property! I wouldn't expect it to look perfectly manicured with it being 2 acres anyway. I like a wooded look for a large property. It's more natural and woodsy that way. You should just continue to count your blessings for all that space!

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  7. Oh what lovely acreage! Love the country living as well and can't wait to see the followers shooting up.
    Here in Eastern Ontario we are still deep in snow.
    I'm about to plant some daffodils and tulips bulbs to enjoy inside.
    Stop by my blog . I came by from Share your Style.

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