When we bought this place 8 years ago there were many evergreens on the border. Almost right away the ScotsPines began dying so we cut them down. Meanwhile I bought a sculpture that hangs in a tree,I moved it four times as trees came down. Almost all of my bird houses are hanging on trees. I just dont have the heart not to hang this one.
This wWren house is in the same spot in year 7.

I am awaiting the appearance of Vole trails as soon as the snow is completely gone.
What a thrill..

Provided you keep the cat inside and safe, wouldn't mouse traps catch the voles?

When my grandaughter lived here with her 3 year old Tiger cat,he used to wait by the compost box and kill voles and mice all day.
My 19 year old Jerry isnt much for hunting anymore.

Hi Pirl! You must be waiting for the clems to pop out of the snow......my clems that are on the trellises are just visible.....The melt in my backyard also has started over the septic tank....loved Erma Bombeck, she was one funny lady!

yesterday, heard bird song for the first time. Granted, I have only been out on errands.

Hi Marilyn! I am anxious but haven't faced the snow to get to the clem's. They'll get growing within two weeks. Erma was so funny and so touching. I do miss her writing.

Lucy - the birds have been chirping here for almost two weeks. I hear them when I throw out food for them. Can't walk to the feeder until the steps are clear of snow - no desire to break a leg.

Hey, I have my first crocus bloom of the season in my yard today. Only one and way out in a sunny spot that is between two snow drifts but still that is good. This is a early species type. So I have thousands and thousands of crocus planted here so should be a nice show once the snow goes away.

My first sign of spring is when the ducks land in the pond. Since we are getting 8" of snow Sat. into Sunday, it will be a while before I see the ducks I am afraid.

I guess it could only be worse if it were June, Pixie!

my sign of spring isn't garden related, Alice is really shedding her winter coat out! horse hair is everywhere!

A good sign....we know that spring will truly be here.....oh, sorry about the snow, Pixie....that's a bummer You are so lucky to have a crocus, Rita! I won't see mine for another month.....did hear lots of birdsong this morning.....

Mostly the rest of the crocus are under the snow.

So are many of mine because that's where Jack put the snow he shoveled from the dog pen!

The only melted area has shown a Galanthus and some prim roses in bud.
path to the melted area


galanthus



Budded primroses, these are the kind we see in the supermarket in late April. I just replant them in June.

pixie62560 said:My first sign of spring is when the ducks land in the pond. Since we are getting 8" of snow Sat. into Sunday, it will be a while before I see the ducks I am afraid.

Sorry about the snow!
I have a lovely pond within short walking distance of my house, ducks, geese, sea gulls, hawks, and eagles are plentiful year round. I'm dying to get a photo of an eagle in flight! The closest I've come is when the eagle landed on a very tall street light at the community garden, twice. First time I had my little powershot with me, second time no camera at all. Hoping for better luck, better health, and better timing this year. My very first sign of spring comes in mid- late Feb, when my African violets and orchids in my windows perk up and start blooming. Even the ones under lights seem to respond to the longer days.

Golden eagle spotted in state this week, but it was down by the shore......Jo, can't believe you have budded plants!

cross country skied this weekend - another several weeks before it will be gone - been ordering a bunch of jm's this spring just can't seem to stop.

That's a healthy addiction! I think of it as saving the planet.....more oxygen!

Went to my SIL's house today to pick up some papers....her daff foliage is about 4" high......none here...