This Week at a Glance

Spring is officially here, and I don’t think I could be more ready for it.

We’ve had the most beautiful stretch of dry weather this weekend, and I’ve been out in the garden as much as possible. After all those gray, rainy days lately, it felt so good to get outside, get a little dirt under my nails, and finally start checking things off my garden to-do list again.

Between time in the garden, keeping up with everything growing in the greenhouse, and a few unexpected adventures, there was always something going on.

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One of the highlights?

I went with my friend to pick up three baby goats for her farm, and they were every bit as adorable as you’d imagine. A redhead, a blonde, and a black-and-white little one…all girls, and all so sweet in their own way.

We were fully prepared for a loud and chaotic four-hour drive home, but they surprised us.

The three of them stayed snuggled up together the entire time and were so quiet. I went back to visit them yesterday during feeding time, and it was just the cutest thing ever.

I also had a bit of a sourdough learning moment this week.

My first attempt didn’t go as planned. I left the dough in the oven overnight with the light on, not realizing how warm it would actually get. By the way, I read several blog posts suggesting that I keep the light on. Obviously, ours is hotter than most.

It actually started baking the top of the loaf, and the bowl was hot when I took it out. Not exactly the goal.

But I tried again, and the second loaf turned out pretty darn good for my first real success. It felt like a small win and a reminder that sometimes you have to just try again.

In the Garden

We finally have some blooming going on in the garden!

Right now, I have three 4’x4′ raised beds filled with daffodils that are completely ready to be cut and brought inside. And yet…I keep putting it off.

They look so pretty in the garden, and since they’re one of the few flowers really blooming in abundance right now, I’m having the hardest time cutting them.

It’s always that little spring dilemma…leave them outside to brighten the beds, or bring them in to enjoy up close all day long.

Meanwhile, the first two tulips have bloomed in the cut flower garden, and that alone feels like something to celebrate. It’s such a small thing, but it means so much more is on the way.

I’m also seeing candytuft and purple violets blooming, along with a couple of azaleas and rhododendrons starting to open up.

It’s still early in the season, but the garden is beginning to come alive, little by little.

The hellebores are still looking gorgeous, but some of the blooms are starting to droop towards the ground. I cut some of them and brought them inside, and that deep burgundy color is just gorgeous this time of year.

They’ve been such a gift when there’s not much else to bring in from the garden yet, and I’m seriously thinking about planting more of them next season for that very reason. Now I just need to figure out where to plant them, since they prefer shade and most of my garden leans sunny.

Over in the greenhouse, things are growing fast.

I’ve already had to bring in another shelf and a couple of small garden tables just to keep up with all the seedlings and geraniums. It’s getting a little crowded in there, but in the best possible way.

The geraniums are especially pretty right now, and I’ve been trying to stay on top of running the fans to keep good air circulation going. With everything growing so close together, it feels like one of those small things that really make a difference.

At this point, the only seeds I have left to start indoors are the luffas. Everything else will be directly sown outside, which feels like a big shift into the next part of the season.

From This Week in Years Past

Last year at this time, I visited Paris for the first time, and I still think about the flower shops there.

They were tucked along the streets with buckets overflowing with the most beautiful blooms. They were always styled in a way that made you want to bring an armful home.

I remember thinking how special it would be to have more little flower shops like that nearby.

It definitely left me inspired to bring a bit of that feeling home, even if it’s just with a handful of garden blooms on the kitchen counter.

On the Blog This Week

My Favorite Inspiration Around the Web This Week

You won’t want to miss out on these amazing strawberry cupcakes!

I love this farmer’s market-style spring tablescape.

Here are 8 ways to add cottage charm with garden flowers and fruit.

This old farmhouse renovation made the most of these low ceilings.

Recover a lampshade using fabric with this tutorial.

This Scottsdale, Arizona home is full of inspiration. 

You’ll love the English country style in this San Francisco home.

This estate’s landscaping is gorgeous.

Check out this DIY cupcake wrapper tutorial.

This home has it all with stone accent walls, a custom fluted marble fireplace surround, and vintage windows incorporated as custom built-ins.

Looking Ahead

With spring officially here, it feels like everything is just beginning once again.

There are more seeds to sow, more blooms on the way, and plenty of time to spend outside as the days get longer and lighter. I’m especially looking forward to seeing those tulip beds fill in and finally deciding whether I’m going to cut those daffodils or let them stay right where they are. Maybe I’ll do half and half?

What did you do to celebrate the first day of spring? I’d love to hear.

Thanks so much for being here and spending a little part of your Sunday with me. I’m so glad spring has arrived, and I can’t wait to share more as the garden continues to wake up.

Until next time,