Bluebonnet Blanket

Right about the time of Spring Break and South by Southwest around mid March I start scouring the sides of the highways and checking the weather report. I scan the grassy edges and medium of Mopac just hoping to catch a glimpse of the first brave bluebonnet beginning to bloom. The early risers begin to show after it rains and I am amazed beyond belief because within a day or two, carpets of bluebonnets blanket the byways. It's hard to keep my eyes on the road and not get into a wreck. I can't stop looking at the flowers because they are SO FREAKIN' BEAUTIFUL. Each new patch appears more stunning than the last. How can that be? A purplish shag carpet of nature's beauty hanging out on the side of the road.

Thank you Lady Bird and Mother Nature for your ongoing symphony that begins when the days start to warm and the nights are still cool and continues on through the dog days of summer and beyond. They are Texas Paintbrush, Mexican Blanket, Prairie Phlox, Pink Evening Primrose, Black-eyed Susan to name just a few since there are more than 48 varieties in the Hill Country alone. Each flower blooms at its own special time to keep me amused and amazed and make me smile. The wildflowers bloom without knowing how beautiful they really are and how happy they make me. What Grace.

The Cold Frame

I decided that this year instead of buying $3.00 transplants for my garden I would try growing my own from seeds. I have in the past grown lettuce, radishes, beets and snow peas from seeds, but have relied on store bought transplants for that extra pre-planting growing time. I don't have anywhere indoors that I could set up a shelves, nor is there any great direct lighting through a window, so I decided that I would build a cold frame.

A cold frame is basically a sloping box with a glass or plexi lid. Historically it was used in conjunction with a greenhouse as a place to put plants to harden off before planting. The temperature in the cold frame is generally 10-15 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature, so my early planting in the cold frame would be protected from the cold night air and any early spring cold fronts that move through the area.

I was using it to grow seedlings for transplanting after the last frost date of mid-April. A friend of mine and my son made the cold frame on a Saturday afternoon in February and I was thrilled to set it up and start sowing. The ideal location for it was a southwestern wall of my house butted up against the foundation for warmth. Placed near the garage door so when I left in the morning I could check on the seeds and water them. Diligently nurturing them daily, they began to sprout. Success or at least the beginning stages.

A month went by, some seeds were growing better than others. Cantaloupe, gourds and zucchini were the early runners, with strong and thick stems. Eggplant, peppers and tomatoes seemed to be little, struggling wisps of green. As the days got warmer, I was sure to vent the top of the box so that the interior of the cold frame did not get to steamy.

Then one morning I went out to water and the cold frame was gone. My seedlings where unprotected and dumped over, dirt spilling out. I was pissed. I had not even taken a picture of it yet since I was waiting for the seedlings to grow a bit more before I blogged about it. Had someone taken it who needed it more than me to grow a garden to feed their family? Was someone just lazy and did not want to build one themselves? Was it some kid who was going to use it to make a window in their fort? That's what my son thought.

Two days later, a cold front moved in with 30 degree weather and chilling winds. I had to bring the plants into the house for 2 days. I have since moved them out into the garden. I put plastic bins over them at night to protect them from the cold night air. Don't know if they will make it to planting, I'll probably end up making a visit to the nursery for transplants, but at least I know that I tried.

Next winter when I build my cold frame again, I am going to put it in the same place and bolt it to the foundation.

Spring has Sprung

In the yard, clearing away last summer's now dormant growth, I am reminded of the cycle of life. Breaking off the empty seed pods that once where last season's flowers I am mindful of the new growth as it timidly pushes its way up through the earth. But mostly I am sore and tired. Seven lawn bags and still a bit more that needs my attention, I have a sense of accomplishment as I soak in the tub and take another ibuprofen.

I practice the springtime ritual of clearing away the old to allow the new. In the house, I am purging old files and income tax records from 2002. This is the time of year that I find hope. Every day a new bud on a tree or a tiny flower adds color to the landscape. The chill in the air contains a ray of sunshine. I open the windows. The air smells fresh. We set the clocks ahead. I've lost an hour, but gained more light....

Update, March 20^th, first day of Spring and a cold front blows in north Texas and the Panhandle is under snow again. In central Texas, we are in the low 40's with wind gusts up to 30 miles an hour. Guess Old Man Winter needed another day.