The first spring planting catalog has arrived! My excitement knows no bounds! Even though we are in the frigid twenties today with wind gusts that are blowing the birdseed out of the feeders, I am thinking about various landscaping projects around the yard.

I can almost smell the soil as I envision digging into it to set sapling trees into their new home. The feel of the rich dirt compacting and filling the space under my fingernails is divine. I’m anticipating the potential of lush plants, ripe vegetables, fragrant flowers and their vibrant colors.  I’m feeling the sun warming my back as I bend over to fix the seedlings into the soil. Outside the wind is still trying to blow the roof off the house while I’m cozy and snug, dreaming of spring.

This year I really need to find some trees that grow quickly and also that the deer won’t eat. A hard task around here. I love watching the deer when they come into the yard, but I don’t need them to trim the privacy trees. Another aim of mine is to plant berry bushes. Maybe high-bush blueberries and a bank of raspberries.

We do like our jams that I put up each season. It would be pretty neat to grow some of the berries right here. Although, taking the 8 mile atv ride to our secret blackberry place will always happen! It’s a very enjoyable ride in the fresh northern Maine air and wonderful wooded scenery. You never know what you might see for wildlife along the trail.

Patience has never been one of my virtues. Spring cannot arrive soon enough. Until it does, I’ll continue perusing the catalogues as they arrive and plotting new plantings.

Do you have a favorite flower? Perhaps a favorite vegetable that you look forward to picking each year? Do you preserve your harvest? I’m always looking for ideas so please share with me in the comments.