I was able to take this picture at almost 4 pm the other day. The days are definitely getting longer now, as of about a month ago it was practically dark at 4:30. This is a very exciting change! The garden behind the pond is pretty young since about a year and a half ago I took almost everything out and started over. I have been trying to stick to a plan and color scheme since and doing pretty well with it. So right now what is there is still on the small side.
Quite a few of the fish were swimming around, I was happy to find so many of our favorites still there. I know that at least a few are missing, another two were found dead in the pond the other day which seems strange. I'm not sure what has been happening with them. After all the years of having this pond it's extremely rare to just find a fish dead in the pond. There have been no signs of raccoons or any other wildlife in the pond. Very strange.
The Marsh Marigold has lots of new growth coming up. This usually blooms very early in spring.
Heuchera 'Autumn Bride' is looking great now. For being such a light colored Heuchera it has handled the sun very well.
This is looking out from the shed garden. This was all brand new last summer. There are quite a few evergreen plants in this area, although they are still quite small. I found many bulbs beginning to pop up in here. Now is the time I give my daughters warnings about where they are stepping while playing in the garden, "Lookout for bulbs!" I say as I see them running around. Somehow I doubt they remember and that's okay, they should enjoy the yard too ☺
Last fall I planted a deciduous Azalea 'Pink and Sweet' near the front of the shed, it's supposed to be very fragrant with pink flowers. I'm hoping it has some blooms this year. I can't wait to see how this all fills in as the year progresses.
The forecast calls for a sunny day tomorrow and I'm hoping I can finally get out in the garden and do some clean up. The winter interest isn't looking very interesting anymore and I think I may cut the butterfly bush back. Spring can't come soon enough!
Looks a little wintry there, and here! Love seeing the new spring shoots popping out of the ground, you are a good mom...my girls cut my flowers all the time, I want them to enjoy them too. Sunshine here tomorrow and then more rain...
ReplyDeleteIt's good to get a nice look at your garden's "bones." The pond still looks lovely--sorry about the mysterious fish issues.
ReplyDeleteHave you always had the star above your garden shed door? I think I noticed it because I wasn't looking at plants in the photo. It's nice.
Your weather sounds like mine! I remind myself it is still winter, but I am so ready for spring! I love seeing plants pushing up, despite the cold temps. The evergreens are refreshing on a winter day, and I love your heuchera. I look forward to seeing your garden when all of your plants are up and blooming.
ReplyDeleteWell at least there is no ice covering your pond Catherine and everything looks promising. Sorry about the fish. Your Marsh Marigolds will be so pretty when they bloom. I love their cheery yellow blooms. I have noticed the days getting longer too and it is always a welcome sight when they start getting longer everyday.
ReplyDeleteI love to look at gardens in zones higher than 3 or 4. It gives me hope as I look out the window at the garden laden down under 3-4 feet of snow in areas. Drifts along the drive exceed 6 feet. I am so longing for spring. I hope it all melts slowly so we don't flood, though.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection on the surface of your pond is beautiful and those little fish look happy and well! Before you know it, things will start sprouting enthusiastically all over your garden - allow them their rest now, this will ensure they put on a glorious show come spring ;)
ReplyDeleteI've not heard of a fragrant azalea - how wonderful!
I'm hoping for a nice day so I can get out there and do some clean-up in my yard. It's been gray and gloomy of late. Sorry about your fish.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Ah, signs of spring at your house! I so enjoyed your pictures! No signs of spring here yet, though I have been sick and haven't been outside for a few weeks...maybe the columbine are starting to green...I'll have to check! Usually, we have some daffs poking their heads up to see what's going on by this time of year. Must check those, too. Next time I'm out! I'm eager to see spring begin to fill things in with green and colors other than grey and brown! ~~Rhonda
ReplyDeleteSeeing your fish in the pond makes me think of warmer temps.
ReplyDeleteYour pink azalea looks like it is in front of the door to the shed...is there a way to get in and out past it?
Catherine, spring is definitely coming to your garden. I love to see the little greenies poking through and the fish swimming.
ReplyDeleteEileen
The fish are so pretty! How nice they are swimming around-maybe looking for spring like us?
ReplyDeleteI love to see the signs of spring! I've got a few shoots coming through now too - but they may get blasted by more snow! I've lost a fair few plants to the extreme cold and some branches off trees because of the weight of the snow, but I know it'll all recover.
ReplyDeleteI had to get two large but very dead frogs out of the top pond yesterday :(
I love the reflection in the first photo, and what a wonderful shed you have!
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks great!
ReplyDeleteI hope you find what happen to your fish
It's fun to see life beginning again and seeing the small shoots, the tiny-tiny buds, etc. It sounds like you've been having similar weather to ours. We had weird weather today, rain, snow, hail, snow, and now rain again. Mother nature can't make up her mind. Sorry to hear about your fish!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy seeing the progress others make in their outdoor spaces. I guess that is why I have enjoyed Monet's garden so much.
ReplyDeleteThat is so strange and sad about your fish dying. I wonder what is up? My water is murky (I remember it being much clearer last winter) so I'm hoping there is enough oxygen in my pond. I check on my fish almost every day but they are still sitting tight on the bottom ~ not much moving around from them yet.
ReplyDeleteCrazy as it sounds, I've seen some bulbs coming up here! That's really early for us. Yours will be blooming WAY before mine tho. It still looks beautiful there in winter Catherine. I like that you have green around you and not everything snow covered like here.
Your pond looks so pretty - all year round ;). At least you don't have any snow there. Hopefully there won't be any more problems with the fish in the pond. Keep looking for those signs of spring!
ReplyDeleteSeed sowing is the first step towards gardening. Gardening is a beautiful habit and hobby to follow as it gives content to the heart and peace to the mind. Even I have a small garden in my backyard but it is a pond garden.
ReplyDeletePond Supplies