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Monday, March 3, 2008

Signs of Spring...or "Forcing the Issue"


This weekend we enjoyed snow-less days, in fact the snow has just about melted away!! (See the mountains still have a little snow.)
It rained some on Saturday, but Sunday was bright and pretty! And even though the temps were in the low 40's, it looked and felt like spring was on its way!

I dared to get out and walk around the yard and found green peeking out here and there......

.....a sweetpea was breaking through the ground. (yes, I know they are annuals, but they just keep coming back each year!)
......a strawberry plant survived the winter. (I really need to get out in the garden and rake when it warms up!)

And in the latest issue of Country Home (March 2008) there is a short article about forcing flowering shrubs indoors. So, since our pear tree needed a little trim....my husband clipped some branches and brought in a few so we could try to "force" a little spring into our home.

Now, I love my outdoor garden of flowers and herbs, but I've never been able to keep an indoor plant alive! I've tried the pretty English Ivy, it became infested with little flies and died. Once I was given amaryllis and it didn't even bloom. This February 14th I was given a miniature rose plant by a dear lady, and so far I've managed not to kill it. I'm hoping it survives until it can be planted outside....where it has a better chance!

So, we'll see how these "sticks" (as my sons called them) look in about 4 weeks!

Happy Hopes of Spring to You!!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck with your "sticks" LOL! It's going to be 72 today!! So I'll be out in garden. Sounds like you're headed to spring - feels good doesn't it!

Manuela

Ruth Welter said...

Hey Suzanne, it is great , isn't it..when spring is really on the way?? It makes ya feel so happy. I've been peeking at my bulbs and irises that are starting to come out of the ground now. It is just a happy site.

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

We've had a few buttercups around. We have a day in the 60's then a day in the 40's--the poor plants don't know what to do.
Have a great day!
Cathy

Dana said...

Oh my, I'm an indoor plant killer, too. I don't have a single living indoor plant. I stick to silk, because I've managed to kill everything in the last 15 years. *sigh* I do so enjoy the lovely flowers and plants outdoors. Our neighbor has a gorgeous flower garden and I can marvel at it all summer long without having to lift a finger to work in it. *smile*

Hope spring stays around!!!

xo,
Dana

SweetAnnee said...

Oh I love to force blooms. Pussy Willows and Forsythia are great for that.
and the sometimes root too!!
smiles to you
deena

Unknown said...

waiting for Spring here too!! I hope your "sticks" come out good!!
Hugs to ya!

Donna said...

I'm sure your pear branches will soon be blooming! I love forcing bulbs this time of year ~ I bring in forsythia too. I just planted sweet peas in the garden a few weeks ago and they are popping up through the ground!
Won't be long!
Hugs,
Donna

Samantha said...

Today it went up to 67 here in N.J., tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. Yippee! I love spring! ( I found you thru Etsy- love your stuff!)

Lana Manis said...

I don't think I've ever tried getting sticks to bloom, lol! Maybe I'll try it this year. I gave up on indoor plants loooong ago!

ShabbyInTheCity said...

I was thinking about cutting some Forsythia branches and bringing them in to bloom! I don't know...sticks are kind of artsy too , aren't they?

Christine LeFever said...

Sticks is a hilarious term for those twigs!

I adore sweet peas!!! I must get some into the ground, pronto! Thanks for the reminder.

Christine

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

I've never tried pear but I've had luck with peach.We're getting desperate for any sign here, with 4-5 inches of snow and freezing rain due overnight it looks like it may be awhile yet!
Enjoy!
xo Susan

Susan Walker said...

Well, those 'sticks' are looking a little lonely right now, but I bet you see some new buds before long! Come on SPRING..I think we are all ready, don't you? Hugs--Susan

Cookie said...

Morning sweets - I am so ready for spring too, I'd be glad to watch the sticks sprout to a mighty growth!
I love coming over, you always have fresh invigorating conversation!
There is something special waiting for you on my blog, because you are so special :)
x0

PAT said...

Did your sticks bloom, Suzanne? I've always wanted to do this, too. Sure would be nice to bring a little spring indoors.

Pat

Unknown said...

Suzanne,
Happy Spring almost to ya!!!!!
Hugs,
Jackie