After the freezing temperatures we had here in February, the backyard looked a little rough for a while. But over the past couple of weeks, Iāve started to see signs that everything is coming back to life again.
Up until this year, I thought I really enjoyed cold weather. Those freezing nights changed my mind pretty quickly. Iām realizing I may actually be a warm weather girl at heart, and I am very happy to see the temperatures climbing again. š
The yard is starting to feel alive again too. Birds are more active, flowers are returning, and every day seems to bring a new little sign that spring is on its way.
šæNature Right Now
One of the first signs of life returning to the backyard has been our marigolds. After the cold wiped out most of the plants in February, we replanted them and it felt wonderful to see that bright color back in the garden again.
It didnāt take long for the flowers to start attracting attention. Bees have already been visiting, and seeing pollinators moving through the garden again makes everything feel a little more lively.
It really is remarkable how quickly a yard can begin to recover once the weather warms up.
A newly planted marigold already hosting its first visitor. Apparently the backyard reopening has been well advertised.
āØReflections of Wonder
One of my regular backyard visitors is a mama squirrel who often comes running over from the trees when I step outside. Over time she has become completely comfortable moving around the yard while Iām out there.
This week I caught her sitting on the fence enjoying a peanut, completely focused on her snack while keeping watch over the yard.
Itās amazing how much life moves through a backyard over the course of a single day. A squirrel on the fence, birds calling from the trees, insects drifting between flowers. The more time I spend out there, the more I realize just how much is happening.
A few things you might start noticing in your yard right now
As the season begins to shift, there are several little signs of spring that often start appearing in backyards this time of year:
ā¢ Cardinals and other songbirds becoming more vocal ā¢ Birds beginning to scout out nesting spots ā¢ Squirrels staying busy as mothers care for their young ā¢ Bees and other pollinators returning to early flowers like marigolds ā¢ Garden plants beginning fresh growth as temperatures rise
Early spring is one of my favorite times to watch what is happening around the yard because something new seems to appear every day.
Peanut break on the backyard fence.
šBehind the Binoculars
Iāve been spending a lot of time outside lately keeping an eye on the changes happening around the yard. This time of year is especially interesting because bird activity begins to increase and there is always something new to see.
Iām also getting a few garden favorites going again for the season. The tomatoes are making their return to the garden, strawberries are getting started this year, which Iām excited to try again, and my year-round staple crops, greens like kale and mustards, are always growing somewhere in the garden.
With warmer days returning and the backyard coming back to life, Iām looking forward to seeing what new visitors appear in the weeks ahead. Itās one of my favorite times of year to watch the yard change from week to week.
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