Certain Spring in Uncertain Times

     As we find ourselves in unsettling times, worrying about our loved ones and trying to make good choices, we have been able to find joy in our yard. May we share? 

     We are having a glorious spring! Sunshine! Rain showers! Thunderstorms and downpours! Clean air! Birds clamoring on the feeders and singing! Flowers! Vegetables!

  Rarely have our Washington tulips bloomed since the year we planted them,

but this year, the last cold snap didn't just bring them out of the ground,

it brought blooms!

 Calla lilies originally from Marilyn's parents' yard bring memories. It's easy to stop and contemplate their artistry.

Mexican sage, with lavender behind, in our drought tolerant front yard.

Hummingbird sage.

Love the rain splashing down the rain chains admidst fresh new leaves of Japanese maple.

Ducks take advantage of the downpour...

...which left worms stranded on the patio.

This daffodil surprises us very year, blooming after all the paperwhites and other daffodils are long gone. Johnny-jump-ups from my sister's yard on the bottom left.

 Freesias, glorious freesias, and their magical scent!

Fern leaf lavender is new this year.

 We split the original desert dianthus. They'll blooms for months and have that wonderful spicey smell. Behind is a dwarf bottlebrush.

The "new" desert dianthus.

Birds show up for three squares at our numerous feeders.

Garden has fed us with broccoli, onions, lettuce. We'll plant a summer garden since we'll not be camping around Eastern Canada in our new van, "Uncle Robert," as planned. Doug is the architect and builder of our wonderful planter boxes.

The nasturtiums reappear yearly, without fail. These are old-fashioned, with muted colors and striations on the petals.

Vibrant Transvaal (Gerbera) daisies. We need to get more.

Another lavender--Spanish? We're not well-versed on varieties.

Tulips among the cyclamen, both favorites of Doug.

The mandarin tree is loaded with buds...

...as is the lemon tree.

The Southern Sierras were stunning after our last rain, a boost to California's water supply.

     The times they are a changin' and strange, but spring is certain.