Spring is off to a bounding and early start here.

Based on my photo rolls, everything is running 1-3 weeks earlier than usual.

Our early big red started opening a week ago, and is now in full bloom.

Last year, it was at a comparable bloom point 4/22.

I admit I’m enjoying the warmer weather, even as I worry about this summer.

Rob helped me set up a new nursery area in some excess driveway space. I’ve been busily up-potting a lot of the native trees and shrubs that we’re growing on.

A lot of them will go in the ground this fall.

I have a lot of native seeds in the “wait and see” stage. They require both stratification and patience!

Fortunately, I also have garden friendlies like signet marigolds to give me instant gratification in the meantime 🙂

I grew them for the first time last year, and thought them utterly adorable, so I’m doubling down this year!

I’m growing seeds from this beauty, some compact orange signet marigolds, and some burgundy signet marigolds. I have no idea how true they’ll come from seed, but only one way to find out!