I spent some time in the unseasonably warm temperatures yesterday checking on perennials, spreading compost, and contemplating how to deepen our nutrient dense food production given the vast uncertainty of the political and climate future we are facing.
Goodness, things are moving at a rapid pace. It sure is nice to have some soil to shove my hands into while things around me that were seemingly solid not too long ago are being steadily/purposely/grotesquely dismantled.
But I digress, today’s post is about my very first contribution to Six on Saturday hosted by Jim and I am excited to contribute!
When I first came across this link up I thought it would be much later before I might be able to contribute but given our utter lack of Winter and wildly warm temperatures lately, the Spring perennials are already starting to poke their little heads out of the ground and through their stems. So, we’ll chat about small beginnings today in gratitude for Nature’s consistency and reliability in her resilience and beauty.
Peeking Rhubarb Crown
Cat Mint
Elderberry Leaves
Cottonwood Buds
Strawberry Beginnings
Spinach Sprouts
Here in the High Desert of New Mexico (USA) we sit at just below 6,000 feet in altitude and can experience deep freezes until Mid-May, so this is exceptionally early for things to begin popping. I won’t be surprised if it all freezes back multiple times between now and then and would welcome some more snow as we continue to struggle with drought.
We experienced a warmer-than-normal Spring last year, too, though not quite so early, so time will tell. If we continue on the warm trend, I can only hope for a significant amount of rain to carry us through.
I will leave you today with our sweetest barn cat, Kira, who was very excited to find me cleaning up her beloved Cat Mint patch. The eternal Sunspot that is our Kitchen Garden is always appreciated, too.
Go gently and take solace in the absolute goodness of the Earth. It’s my best and most essential guidepost these days. I hope the same for you.
Onward,
Melissa
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Yes, nature’s reliability is a solace, especially in this turmoil. Your photos are encouraging. Welcome to Six on Saturday, Melissa.
Thank you so much for your kind words and welcome. I’m look forward to both the season ahead and learning more about the SoS community 🙂
I love how you are part of all of these blog link ups, and introduce us to other posters. I haven’t tried being a part of any of these myself, but it seems like such a fun idea. Also, so excited to see dirt! Still under snow and ice here in Massachusetts. Thanks for the bright spot amidst the turmoil of national politics. I appreciate it.
Thank you so much for being here, Jessica <3 I've always enjoyed link ups and find them very encouraging. It takes time and a little research to find the link ups that are right for you, but once you do the communities that can be found within are so rich and vibrant! I hope you're enjoying a lovely, calm weekend.
Welcome to the SoS crowd Melissa. It sounds as though you live in quite a challenging climate. It will be interesting to see what you grow. Sweet cat you have there!
Hello! Thank you for the warm welcome! I’m excited to learn more about the SoS community and to share what we can grow here. It’s a rather short season and of course every single one is different, but we’re learning every step of the way. Hope your day is a wonderful one!
I was talking to a group of young professional gardeners a few weeks back (I’m long retired and pretty ancient) and said to them that having the knowledge and skill to grow your own food is as important as it gets. I should maybe do more sixes from my allotment; building resilience into food production is a subject I’m passionate and ignorant about in equal measure.
Hi Jim! I agree with you 100%! Food production, even in the smallest amounts, is such an important skill and one so many have never been taught. My wife and I have taught ourselves everything we know and continue to learn more with each season that passes. I would love to see you post about your allotment if you are so inspired 🙂 Have a wonderful rest of your weekend and week ahead!
Lots of green and growing things. In Maine, we are still in winter’s grip, which is normal for this time of year. And what a comfort to plant seeds and then harvest food. To borrow from the singer Gary Jules, it’s a mad world.
Hi Laurie! It is a mad world, indeed. I hope your slide from Winter into Spring is a smooth one. I’d happily trade some snow for the early popping if I could. Alas, we’ll have to wait and see what the next couple of months bring. Take good care of yourself. We’ve got to keep our heads up and our eyes open. Have a lovely week ahead, Laurie!
We sure do!
That is wonderful. I am not good with planting and growing.
Thank you so much! It’s all a practice in trust, patience, and humility. I wasn’t born with my mom’s Green Thumb, but I try every season to improve just a little bit more 🙂