Spring has Sprung and I Need a Clone!

Doesn't it always seem there are not enough hours in the day? Either that, or I seriously need to figure out how to clone myself. 

When the weather starts getting nice out I just can't be kept indoors. I'm kind of glad the weather was nasty out the past while, to give my back a chance to heal. Because, otherwise? I would have been out there playing in the dirt, doing more damage. 

Now that I'm feeling better, I have a lot to catch up on! Everywhere I look there are spring projects just waiting to be done. 

My full time job prevents me from spending as much time as I'd like doing many things....however, it also provides the funding for many of my projects so I guess I can't really complain!

If there are things you want in life, you must work hard. Period. End of story. 

So, the pots that I dumped out into the new garden bed right before I hurt my back still sit on the potting bench, waiting to be cleaned and put away. 

The Plant-Tone waits on a shelf in the garage for the weather to stabilize, so that I may spread it's magic around to feed the perennial beds. I throw handfuls of this into the beds right before a steady rain and let nature wash the nutrients into the soil. 

By the way, I also include a little Plant-Tone in every hole I dig for a new plant. I mix it in with the dirt so it's not directly touching the roots, and then place the plant in the hole. Gives the new plant a little extra boost. 

The Vermont Compost Company Container Booster is on hold until I see if anything is coming back in the containers that overwinter in the garden. If nothing shows up in a few weeks, I'll rip out all the old plants and boost the soil in the container with this magic elixir before planting anything new. 

The peonies I bought at Lowe's a while back are waiting to be planted. I think it might be safe....soon. 

The birdhouse, which I also bought at Lowe's the very same day, was hanging in an evergreen tree for all of about two days before it broke and fell to the ground. It needs a little TLC. 

The new herb boxes for the deck have arrived and sit in the garage awaiting assembly. 

Let's be honest here, this is all Sweetie. He's much better and much more patient at that kind of thing! I get terribly frustrated putting things together....it never seems to go as planned!

These hose holders have spent the winter in the garage as well. My sweetie picked them up ages ago and will put them up soon, when he has a nice day and some spare time to do a few things at my house. 

On that note, I have had the Suncast Hosemobile for about three years now and although I didn't like it much, it did the job. That is, until recently, when all of a sudden something burst and there was water spraying out like mad everywhere!!  

I got soaked. And I got mad. 

Suncast Hosemobile

This time around, I'm going for a much sturdier model. I'm tired of all this plastic junk. Give me something heavy duty that will actually last!! Why do companies make products that only last a short while? It's so frustrating to have to keep replacing things that you spend good money on, money that you've worked hard for. 

Eley Portable Garden Hose Reel

This is the model I'm getting this time around. And it better last as long as I do!

There I go, off on a tangent again....no surprise there, huh?

Back to spring projects awaiting my attention - the flat of plants I bought last week is patiently waiting to be planted. 

I know I can put the Snapdragons out now, but the others may have to wait. I'm going to do a little more research on how cold hardy they are, and also keep a close eye on the night-time temps. Fingers crossed!

In other news, I think my stupid bear may have paid me a visit last night. 

I heard a weird noise around 5 AM when I was lying in my bed, not sleeping of course....hot, cold, hot, cold....the usual story. 

I thought it was one of my daughters, up in the kitchen getting a glass of water. 

But maybe not....

....because when I went to feed the birds, I found this. My poor little metal mesh feeder was mangled. 

I've been taking in my two expensive feeders at night and just leaving out this mesh feeder, the suet cage, and my flat feeder. 

The suet and the flat feeder were fine. But this one, that hangs right by the tall staircase to the deck, was obviously attacked by something very strong. This metal is tough - I could not bend it back with my hands, not even the slightest bit!

Oddly enough, the feeder was still hanging from the hook, and the hook wasn't torn off the deck this time. 

Maybe Mr. Bear doesn't like this seed? 

I guess I have to go back to bringing in all the feeders every single night, so Mr. Bear takes me off his dining route. 

Drat. 

One more thing I need to do every morning and night now!

See? I told you....I need a clone. 

No doubt.