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Not only gardeners have noticed that this winter has been the warmest one on record and that snowfall has declined all around the planet due to climate change. And we also know that “Mother Nature” sends unexpected surprises that have caused many a magnolia tree to have all blossoms drop and early attempts of planting vegetables to fail.

What can we do? Try one or two. Never plant ALL of your lettuce seeds or ALL hardened tomato or pepper plants ahead of your usual/normal/tried-and-true time. For me, mid-or the end of May has been the earliest time for the soil to really warm up and the night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit/10 Celsius. Why? Because I once lost EVERY pepper and tomato plant I had so carefully nurtured indoors and hardened off so patiently. Ever since, I hold off and wait. An attractive and accurate outdoor thermometer, placed so that you can easily read it from inside, is such a help.

TIME FOR THE BIRDS
In the meantime, I am making sure that all of my garden tools and supplies are ready – easily seen, clean, sharpened, and in their designated place in the garage. My outdoor focus is on the birds now and just refilled the feeder this morning with sunflower seeds. Until they have more to eat in the garden, I do make a point of making sure the feeder is kept full.

Both woodpeckers and birds really enjoy swooping in for some suet. I have never bothered with “Hi-Energy” branded ones since the regular berry and peanut butter suet cakes have been the favorites for “my” birds. It is so much easier to fill when you hang up easy-to-replace suet holders.

Of course, birds also need clean water and both a stream and pond are here for the birds where I live now, but my favorite birdbath was one I had on my deck that was viewed from the kitchen and dining room window. It was so easy to refresh and clean. This is perfect for birdwatching on porches, balconies or decks, the wrought iron bracket has C-type clamp that holds the bracket to the railing without need for drilling or permanent mounting.

A word about buying quality. Although I have had large dinner plates, pretty glass saucers, and cement birdbaths, there is one material that I must suggest. I have owned the same copper birdbath bowl for over 20 years. It is so easy just to blast water from a hose to clean and fill and is loved by the birds since I place a flat blue rock in the center for the birds to easily land and perch on. You must make sure it doesn’t easily tip over and this birdbath certainly fits the bill.

Can not help but share this adorable bench to add to your garden. I will be doing a post on bench placement soon since I have used feng shui principals in every garden I have designed. There always seems to be another place to be able to sit and enjoy a view of your bird feeder, flower garden, sunset, or for stargazing.

There was one VERY obvious must-do after coming inside the back door from the garden this afternoon and that was tracking in the damp soil. It is past time to replace the backdoor rug that will trap all the mug and rain.

Photo of crocus and snowdrops.