Apis

If you can just let things be, you're sometimes rewarded with unexpected surprises.

I didn't weedeat around the tree in the front lawn - we have chokecherries and currants there now. Same with the utilities pole.

We don't spray our driveway. Asters popped up.

We didn't prune or shear or remove leaves. Our favorite plants have reseeded themselves.

And there are mantid eggs sacs EVERYWHERE.

Yes, there's some cheatgrass to burn. Now it's time to clip back the old perennial stems. There will always be work to do, but this approach moves with nature. And when you respect her, she will show up with gifts.

Plus, who wants to be out here breathing in chemicals each weekend?

Last fall, we scrounged up the last bit of our gardening energy to put in one final planting - native perennials, herbs, a ton of bulbs, and some trial snapdragons. The tulips have been up for weeks (flowers soon!) and now the perennials are starting to wake up.

We moved a lot of our cut herb production into the raised beds by the house, which means it's a lot easier for me to harvest a bit for dinner. The vegetables will move back to the garden beds with deeper soil this summer. And the flowers go anywhere I can fit them in.

(PS - don't forget to get your flower punchcards or subscription. We'll be swimming in flowers before you know it)

There's no need to rush your spring clean-up just yet. After these few sunny days, we're back down to cooler temps and light showers. Leaving your leaves and stems will give the beneficial insects some still-needed shelter. After all, it's still March.

Go take a walk or something instead to enjoy this nice weather. 🌤

We're restocking garden balm just in time for long days in the garden. Whether your hands are dry from being in the soil or scraped up from pruning, this will fix you right up.

This salve is full of my favorite garden herbs - thyme, yarrow, comfrey, and chamomile - plus a dose of nourishing pumpkin seed oil. It's a rich, herby scent that soaks right into your skin.

Garden balm will be available at the Boise Flower & Garden Show next weekend, and of course, at the first in April!

Can't wait? Order it online, or pick up locally: