Spring colors, poetry, to-do lists, seed catalogs
Don’t you just feel the energy emerging from the soil? This season’s spring inspiration board is full of gentle color. What comes to mind when you think spring? Here are few of the jumble of thoughts that flit through my mind when spring finally has arrived. Enjoy these lists and be inspired!
Why do we love spring? Let us count the ways…
- The wonderful sound of birds happily chirping in the trees.
- The cool crisp air slightly warmed by the sun.
- The days growing longer.
- The infant leaf buds just beginning their morning yawn and stretch.
- Seed catalog fever and visions of garden grandeur.
- Goose bumps on the arms in the morning and warming in the afternoon.
- Not having to close the door as quickly as you can to keep the heat in.
- Finally being able to turn of the heat after the morning chill is banished for the afternoon.
- Bright sunlight coming in throught the windows.
- Feeling the need to stretch the limbs and exert some energy.
- Switching out of colors from darker somber colors to cheerful meringue colors.
- Tulips, crocus, lilacs.
- Spring greens in the garden for fresh salad.
- The beginnings of the taste for lemonade.
- The renewed fervor of working on some home projects.
- Wiggling your toes as you go without socks for the first time since last summer.
- Should you take a coat or not?
- Flinging open the windows.
A Spring Morning
By John Clare, 1793-1864
The Spring comes in with all her hues and smells,
In freshness breathing over hills and dells;
O’er woods where May her gorgeous drapery flings,
And meads washed fragrant by their laughing springs.
Fresh are new opened flowers, untouched and free
From the bold rifling of the amorous bee.
The happy time of singing birds is come,
And Love’s lone pilgrimage now finds a home;
Among the mossy oaks now coos the dove,
And the hoarse crow finds softer notes for love.
The foxes play around their dens, and barking joy’s excess, ’mid woodland shadows dark.
The flowers join lips below; the leaves above;
And every sound that meets the ear is Love.
The Spring Color Palette
Do you ever notice that some people just seem to glow in light spring colors? The colors of spring are a lighter version of the deeper Autumn colors. It is entirely appropriate to switch out some decor and fashion items with a lighter less heavy version to fit the season’s fresh air. Here is some color choice inspiration:
The Tidying Up Spring List
- Till up garden plots for seeding
- Design garden and order seeds
- Plant early spring salad greens
- Plant vegetables and flowers
- Lay in mulch on flower beds
- Set up watering system and hoses
- Make cuttings to propagate new plants
- Separate any bulb groupings that need thinning
- Open house vents
- Set out summer patio furniture
- Wash curtains
- Clean windows from winter grime
- Wash cars
- Clean up porches and patios
- Hang outdoor string lights
- Uncover BBQ
- Switch menu from winter to lighter spring / summer fare
- Consider a detox tea for cleansing from winter hibernation mode
- Switch from indoor exercise to outdoor walks and jogs
- Plan painting projects for summer heat
How do you enjoy spring?
- Go for a photo walk
- Plant an outdoor planter
- Sit in a lawnchair outside to read
- Have lunch outside or with the doors open
- Flip through seed catalogs and dream
- String up fairy lights outside
- Take a scenic drive home
- Visit the chicks at the farmstore
- Walk barefoot in your yard
- Mail a letter with a spring stamp
- Observe how many types of birds are in your yard
- Plant petunia starts and spring greens
- Put a flower bouquet on your coffee table
- Try your hand at a simple watercolor painting
- Peruse the local spring decor displays
- Start a new spring journal
“Ask the LORD for rain in the springtime; it is the LORD who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.”
Zechariah 10:1 NIV
Favorite Seed Catalogs
- Burpee Seed Catalog
- Annie’s Annuals
- Johnny’s Select Seed
- Burgess Seed and Plant Co.
- Gurney’s Seed and Nursery Co.
- Jung Seeds and Plants
- Lee Valley Tools (gardening hardware)
Don’t want to pay shipping? Here are some local places to get plants and seeds when the season arrives:
- Yakima Co-op
- Coastal Farm and Ranch
- Bi-Mart on 40th
- Roots Nursery
- Green Girl’s Garden (subscription bouquets, events)
- Cowiche Creek Nursery
Do you have a favorite spring time gardening tip or catalog you recommend? Please comment and get the word out!
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I like to watch the hummingbirds and butterflies, just no red liquid for the feeder and I probably could use a new butterfly bush.
Good idea! We raised Monarch butterflies a few years ago and it was amazing to see them released. Although, I’m not going to grow milkweed:) A butterfly bush would be so much prettier, maybe attract the Swallowtails.
Thanks for all the thoughts about spring; you make me feel it and smell the delightful springtime smells. It hasn’t quite arrived here yet, but I’m looking forward to it.
Me too!!
We missed last spring because of a long lockdown. This year, we’re coming out of another lockdown just in time for spring. I’ll make up for the loss! Beautiful ideas; thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Yes, it feels good to get out and enjoy the world again!