Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, February 2nd, where, according to tradition and superstition, if a groundhog comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. Never mind that spring is already on the calendar on March 20th. Groundhog or not, I’m already anticipating spring.

Our last frost occurs, on average, the last week of February. According to gardener extraordinaire, Bill Finch, Gulf Coast Spring is from February 15 through April 15. I’ll tell you about our six seasons another time.

This forsythia is starting to bloom. I have lots of buds on my three shrubs, but this one gets more sun and is a more reliable bloomer. However, it’s in a bad spot. It wants to get too big for its corner, and I’ve had to cut it back severely. Maybe I’ll move it after the flowers fade.

I’m sorry this picture isn’t clear, but I didn’t realize it until this morning. Three Kurume Hybrid azaleas, Christmas Cheer, are opening up quickly. Pity they don’t bloom at Christmastime. This type of azalea is ridiculed, since it was propagated and proliferated widely in the last century. Hence, it is out of public view, in my backyard. However, it is healthy and dependable.

I confess to a love-hate relationship with bulbs. I hate the unsightly dying foliage, which I don’t cut back, since it is supposed to nourish the bulbs for next year. But when they are blooming, I enjoy them so much. These narcissus bulbs originally came from my grandmother’s garden by way of my mother’s garden. I’ve been enjoying their scent on my kitchen window sill.

I see pictures of English gardens with hundreds of snowdrops, which look lovely. They’re similar to my leucojum, aka, snowflakes. Here’s the first of many snowflakes which will pop up all around the yard in the next few weeks.

I’m still anticipating the opening of this late blooming deep crimson camellia. It’s almost there. Any day now. (Foot tapping, fingers drumming)

Waiting is a part of life. It can create anxiety or hopeful anticipation. I’m hopeful for good things in the future that God has planned for those who love Him and know Him. He’s a good, good Father.

Shalom, Dottie