Spring is definitely here! Winter seemed a bit longer than usual this year…or perhaps this drafty old house makes it seem that way. Either way, the air is warming up to what one might consider: Absolutely perfect Southern California weather. I’m fond of saying that this is the time when tourists come to visit and decide to move here. They’re in for a surprise when Summer hits and temperatures reach the triple digits.

Until then, the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. A feeling of renewed sense of everything is happening. It’s this time of the year that I can’t wait to get outside and fiddle around with my plants. I’ve been anxious to start growing productive greenery – things we can actually use and eat. I’m starting small with herbs and tomatoes, but eventually I’d like to have a small (manageable) vegetable garden. It will involve lots of work – specifically, removing a large bamboo thatch, clearing the land, and prepping it. I figure, it won’t be fully functional for at least a year. These things take time. Which reminds me, I need to start composting again.

In my garden, I currently have: Parsley, Oregano, Spearmint, Peppermint, Catnip, Aloe Vera, Oranges, Lemons, Kumquats, Apricots, Plums, Early Girl Tomatoes, and various other lovable plants and trees. Since I missed last year’s apricot and plum harvest, I’m going to get to them before the squirrels do and make preserves.

Here are some of the items I’m currently working on: