It's that time of year again

After celebrating the rebirth of spring beginning with crocuses pushing up through the snow, the blooming of our few daffodils and hyacinths, the return of the robins and witnessing brief visits of fruit trees and lilac blossoms (and the lilacs were disappointing this year - I think the warm/cold/warm/cold weather had a detrimental effect so I really hope they blossom a second time) it's time to start planning and planting our garden.

We didn't become gardeners until our first full summer at our new house, 7 years ago. Every year I vow to sit down and learn when to plan what and every year we just wing it. We are learning as we go but our excitement to get things in the ground so we can marvel at the forming of the fruits always overshadows and prudence we might briefly entertain as to when is actually the best time to plant. At least this year we're relatively close to Memorial Day which officially marks the beginning of planting season here in MI.

We've made an attempt not to buy and plant all the seedlings at once (after a dozen I'm ready for a break while hubby would happy dig holes all day long) and I'm already looking forward to fresh bell peppers and sauteed baby zucchini as well as canning our own dill pickles. I am forever spoiled by the taste of our own pickles, the flavor of home grown roma tomatoes (and I disliked fresh tomatoes as a child) and the incredible sweetness of corn and carrots picked from our own back yard.

Yum, yum, yum (and pretty much worth the effort)!