I know I’m slacking in the garden update department – yell at my life for getting in the way. Seriously, do it, I need things to calm down a little. Thanks.

I took a series of photos last month of all the things that were cropping up in my garden, and I just realized that most of them (except for the peas, overachievers that they are) are plants that are perennials or that were planted last fall. For me, they are the gifts that keep on giving – when you’re slogging through seed starting, or prepping beds, or attacking weeds that seem to grow faster than anything you’ve planted, it’s so encouraging to look over and see something growing that doesn’t need your help (or at least, doesn’t need your help anymore). I hold onto a lot of baggage in my life, but for some reason, I forget how hard it was to plant those 80 onions in December when I couldn’t feel my fingers. I just see those happy green shoots waving at me and can’t wait to yank one up and see how big the onion is. Though I am being good and waiting for a while longer.

Strawberries hanging out with the daffodil leaves and ivy in the front yard.

Carrots I didn’t realize were there last year – tops are still good for stock or smoothies.

Elephant garlic with yellow onions behind.

Thyme with some male pattern baldness – it’s filled out since then.

Oregano came back with a vengeance.

Sage reaching for the sky (ignore the weeds in the foreground).

Asparagus! I cannot tell you how stupidly excited I was to see this come back.