Nice weather, and what/when am I gonna plant this year?

Well, yesterday was a beautiful weather day. And I had windows open all day. But I did not get outside to do the yard stuff I was planning on... no matter, I think I'm pretty clear on what has to be done, and Wednesday will be time enough. If then. I don't like to prune roses until I see where the growth is happening and what has died back-- there's not enough new green showing yet, anyhow. And the garden boxes will be a project for another day-- it's well too early to plant tender sets. Those will wait til probably the end of May. I saw the forecast for the weekend-- 40s and rain. Gross. 

That said, I splurged and ordered a new Virgin Mary garden statue. Our concrete one that we've had forever is all pitted and getting a bit crumbly. She'll likely grace another part of the yard-- maybe the strawberry patch. And I do have a resin one, but she tips over a lot. I usually put that one and the St. Francis one in a more protected space, likely just on the deck. But who knows? Maybe a bit of whimsy will strike and they'll find themselves guarding the front flower bed (if I can ever reclaim it from the weeds...another story). Anyhow, the new one stands 29 inches tall-- real statuary type. Well, as statuary as I'm going to do. I've determined that I will start a new herb garden, and there she'll be. We have a garden box that is directly under an apple tree-- not my best plan, but the tree reaches over it, and that was not the case when we installed the box. Thus, it's mostly shade, and nothing seems to thrive there that I've tried (beans, carrots-- both need a lot more sun). The peas last year did pretty well there, but then the pea vines latched onto the tree branches and it was chaos. My vision is to put in things that don't need a ton of direct sun-- basil, thyme, sage, etc.-- and maybe pop in some pretty things like nasturtiums. Holly brought home a little pot full of "wildflower" mix, and it's going well-- so we'll plant that right in front of Mary. 

Why the rush? Well, at her last CCD class, Holly's class made May Crowns, and the idea is to crown your home Mary statue on the first Sunday in May. Well, that's coming up quick. So, I got the new statue coming before the end of the week, and Holly is happy to crown her. Ah, the things we do to make our little ones happy. It'll be lovely, anyhow. Unfortunately, it looks like rain as I said, and the flowers on the crown they made are tissue paper, but it'll be the thought that counts. Maybe the forecast will improve. 

I am jealous, though, of my friends in more temperate areas who can put in actual garden stuff this early. I wouldn't even venture peas just yet-- though I might put them in after the first of May. They like the cooler temperatures. But today, it's all speculation and vision. I had hopes of a new garden box, too, but we'll see how that goes. I've got to walk around out back and see if there's room enough for one that would not be in the way of the bee yard or too hard to mow around.

Speaking of mowing, G mowed the grass yesterday. First mowing of the season! And he tells me that the rhubarb is up-- pie soon! I'll have to check that out, too. I really did want to get outside yesterday, but there was too much inside stuff to get done, Holly needed attention, and I ended up going to Bethlehem for the post office (no parking near ours) to get my edited hard copy of my book out in the mail. It was a nice day for a drive, but y'know how it goes... the post mistress is a friend of mine and we got to chatting, so I was gone a little longer than I had planned. LOL 

Today, I'm getting the windshield replaced (morning), and this afternoon, I'm treating myself to a mani-pedi. So, no yard work today. Which is fine. I am hoping for a relatively quiet day filled with sunshine and good vibes. 

I hope your day is glorious. Enjoy every minute. Don't let the news cycle give you the ick. Look up and out. (I'll try, too.) Hold your loved ones close. 

C