We’ve had a record-breaking warm winter in my part of
Down Under and are basking in summer-like spring conditions.
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| We usually don't see this flowering plum quite so early |
The plants in my farm
garden are totally confused—they’re blooming a full two weeks before they’re
meant to.
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| This gnarled plum tree is more than 60 years old and produces the most delicious plums |
The pictures I’m sharing here were taken three weeks
ago, when the daffodils were still meant to be in bud and the fruit tree
blossoms just pale swellings on the branches.
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| This iris is blooming weeks earlier than it did last year |
Usually there isn’t a tulip in
sight at this time of year but they’re about to open and there are rosebuds on
the just-pruned rose bushes. (While many parts of Australia don’t have a very cold
winter, our little farm is in the mountains and we get heavy frosts and the
occasional flurry of snow—not this year, though.)
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| Our daffodils are early this year--I love the way they just keep flowering year after year |
The vegetables, too, are starting to thrive. Last
summer I left a few lettuces to go to seed. Lots of tiny green seedlings
resulted and now they’re growing into lush lettuces so fast I’ve actually
harvested my first (small) salad.
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| These lettuces are from a plant I left to self-seed--how nice to get free seedlings! |
The snow peas (mangetout) I planted in autumn
are now climbing up their supports—fingers crossed for the treat of fresh snow
peas come late spring.
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| It won't be long until we'll be enjoying cabbages |
Spring is my favorite season in my garden, though
I’ve tried to plant carefully so we have flowers all year round.
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| Nature provides these lovely wattle blossoms in the bushland part of my farm garden |
I particularly
love daffodils as when I was pregnant with my daughter I planted lots of
daffodils. As I buried those nondescript brown bulbs, I wondered what my baby
would be like and counted the months until I would meet her (or him!) knowing
by the time the daffodils were in bloom she would be born. The joyous day we
brought her home, she was greeted by a garden bed of yellow daffodils.
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| Jonquils have been blooming for weeks and filling the garden with their glorious scent |
The whole upside-down thing of the hemispheres can be
confusing to humans, too. Last week I left my spring garden behind and am
currently enjoying autumn as I visit England. Sometimes I have to catch myself
and re-orientate myself to the season!
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| I found this little violet vase in a market--perfect for delicate violets |
I’m in England on a quick visit to catch up with
friends and family. It’s the first time I’ve been here in 10 years and I’m so
glad to be back. (My mother was Australian and my father English and I’ve
always been torn between the two countries.)
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| When I get home it will be time for more planting! |
I’d planned the trip before I sold my first book to
Harlequin Mills & Boon UK. So now I have the added excitement of meeting my
editor face-to-face for the first time and visiting “romance headquarters” at
Richmond. I’ll also be meeting some of the Mills & Boons authors I know
only online or through reading their wonderful romances. I’m so thrilled to be
joining their ranks!
My first story for Harlequin Romance is titled The
Summer They Never Forgot. It’s an emotional reunion story and will be
out in January 2014. I’m eagerly awaiting the first glimpse of my cover…
Spring, summer, fall or winter—do you have a favorite
season in your garden? Or a flower that holds special significance for you? Do
you hate gardening but enjoy buying flowers—or being given them! Please leave a comment—I’d love to hear about it!
Kandy Shepherd writes fun, feel-good fiction.
Visit Kandy at her website
