First Spring

Although it's close to a year since we moved, 

this is the first time we get to watch all that died over the winter

come back to life. 

We had some amazing weather after Easter;

it felt like a promise of wonderful days to come. 

I planted these tulips in a planter by our front door,

a mix of cheer, even for the few that enter. 

Just off our porch we watched the small magnolia tree 

blossoms open for the first time. 

The joy was short lived, but it will be green all summer

and I love green. 

Beside the back porch we have this landscaped area 

leading to our bedroom window.

Oma's rose bush is one we tranplanted from the other house

because of its sentimental value.

Many years ago my mom gifted us with a stem cutting from 

her rose bush called by that name, in lieu of her mom, namely our Oma. 

A new to us climbing vine is this wisteria.

Since planting it, some have warned us of its intrusiveness

but we hope to keep it in check.

I'm trying to convince my H to let it grow up onto the Juliet balcony. 

Wouldn't it be beautiful?

We can always chop it where it strays.

Those are my thoughts.

The back yard slopes quite a bit, so these retaining walls

were made to create some stepped areas with some landscaping.

This area is our very tiny orchard, that includes

apple trees, a pear tree and a plum tree.

Inbetween, there are blackberries and grapes.

Coming around the bend,

some blueberry plants as well. 

At the very back/bottom of the yard 

a small dogwood tree has shown off it's blooms this past week.

And that's it for today.

This first year is an exciting time of discovery,

kind of like a honeymoon stage,

and I may find myself posting updates.