Spring = Hope Eternal

I love the green hope of spring every year as new growth begins. While I'm used to the more dramatic contrast of winter and spring "back east" (yes, everyone here still talks as though they were one step off the wagon train), it is still evident--and earlier in the year, I might add!

It rained yesterday. Boy, did it RAIN! I actually went out at one point last night to see if it was hailing, it was making so much noise (we very rarely get more than light rain when it actually does rain). Bakersfield farmers can thank the Ruddy family for not clearing out space in our garage before purchasing a convertible with a small tear in the cloth cover (no worries--there was actually no leakage into the car). Anyway, I was worried about the garden! Rain is not a bad thing, but I was picturing things flattened to the ground, swimming in too much water . . . turns out I don't think I was watering enough! Everything appears to have flourished in the downpour and now you get to take a little tour with me. :-)

Have you ever seen an artichoke plant? Two of the three we planted this year--babies from a friend's yard--have survived the transplant (and dogs). This one has a tiny artichoke nestled in its center, no bigger than the tip of my pinky finger!

For some reason this picture rotates to the side--I have no idea why. It's not an exciting picture anyway, but it's the very first peak at the melon seeds I planted!

Do you know what this is? DO YOU? I'm so excited that the roots I planted have sprouted some tiny, TINY rhubarb leaves! How cute are they? :-D

And now in the raised bed: Mixed greens! I can taste the salads already . . .

The broccoli plant I put in has grown, and there are now TWO little tiny broccoli heads (one on top and a smaller one in the lower front). Behind you can see the bell pepper and green onions holding their own. All have grown since being planted several weeks ago.

Strawberries! I put in these plants late for this area (I have since learned). I have some makeshift shade up to try and protect them from baking in the sun; we'll see how it goes!

The beans finally look less like they're fighting to survive and more like happy, healthy plants.

The zucchini too is finally flourishing.

This is a mandarin orange tree that was planted last week!

And these, which look like I stuck two twigs in the ground, are actually two grape vines that I hope will eventually flourish and climb a yet to be installed trellis at the far side of our patio.

Our first irises from all those bulbs we got in the ground last year!

Here you can see we still have some planting to do. I got a little ahead of myself and we haven't cleared spaces for the blueberries, hyacinth, star jasmine and little lemon tree you see here. Soon! And do you see the corn in the background along the fence? It's taller than before! Also note that I have not killed the tomatoes in the barrel. ;-P

Poor Erik had a rough night. Rain in Bakersfield ended up meaning snow in the mountains where drives, and low enough in the mountains to make his night pretty miserable. He didn't get home until around noon today and will have to head to work when he wakes up. Thank goodness it's Friday!! Luckily the cold weather makes for cozy bedfellows . . .