In 1776, Thomas Paine said that these are the times that try men's souls, but I can say that 2021 is the (spring)time that will try this (wo)man's soul. It has not been a good time in the garden lately. In fact, if I didn't have so many years of success behind me, I would assume I have a black thumb.
The asparagus mostly didn't come up, we haven't had nearly enough rain, and something ate all my spring crops. My friends and the internet don't yet agree on whether I have a groundhog, a deer, or rabbits. I may have to add extra fencing, but the type of fencing that will be effective depends on what kind of furry creature I am dealing with. Gardens can also be ravaged by birds, insects, and disease, but I think I have ruled those out.
We are also expecting the 17-year cicada cycle, with billions or trillions emerging in the next week or two. I saw my first one today, when it hitched a ride inside on my sweater and wouldn't let go. I'm willing to let nature be, but I have a strict rule on it staying outside of the house. The experts assure us that the insects won't harm garden plants, so luckily I should only have to deal with the racket and molted shells.
For some reason, the perennial garden seems to be thriving much more than the vegetables. So here are some pretty flowers to distract you, since vegetable pictures seem to be a thing of the distant future.
Daffodils, springstar, jonquils, and violets.
