Previous to now (even in the winter), I try to go hiking once a week. But lately I just haven’t made it up into the mountains. Yesterday I went on a bike ride that started up a canyon and went down into the city.  Up in the canyon is a lot of dormant plants, mud, and even snow. Down in the valley the cherries and apircots are starting to bloom, along with forsythias, currants,  mahonia and bulbs. All the new spring leaves are making there first appearance, and the lawn is green and growing. I’ve also been busy working on starting my garden up this year, along with starting the maintenance for the landscape and several landscape designs.

So why am I not out hiking? I’m busy with garden tasks and besides that, it’s prettier here. I’ll go after my tomatoes are in and the weather starts to heat up more, demanding a break for the cool mountain air. Right now, I’m enjoying mowing lawns, adding compost, planting spring crops, and cleaning up the outside. Everything is still exciting after the long winter break. Gardening easily puts all other recreational tasks on hold, and I’m okay with that.

Also, today I transplanted my tomato seedling right when I should have. They weren’t huge like all the previous ones I’ve done. I also decided in future years to go ahead and double my lights. The plants are doing okay with just one light above them, but a little leggier than I would like them.