Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Code Yellow in My Backyard

Spring, not yet arrived, is crashing.
The Meyer lemons, once so robust and plump, are getting soft. One has rotted on the tree. Yeeps. Time to use them wisely.
And the daffodils, a "gift" from the previous owners of this ancient property, sprang up unannounced, and are now browning around the edges. They don't last well cut in a vase, so I'll let them meet their maker au naturel.
It's super sunny outside, another yellow gift, and very near time to get serious about planting.
We are *thisclose* to putting the artichokes in the front yard. All dug out and ready to go, tomorrow. Still plotting the sun patterns. Which will change, but as these are perennials, we want to give them the most UVs year-round.
Speaking of artichokes, we had a most amazing lunch. Details to come.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a tremendous batch of limoncello going -- sounds like you're armed to do the same!

Anita (Married... with dinner) said...

Jealous -- I have gotten exactly 1 meyer off of our tree so far. I have another dozen or two that are green and pale yellow. though. She must be a late bloomer :D

kudzu said...

Wow: a daffodil belly button, and definitely an outie.

Bless the sun and yellow things.

Can't wait to hear about that lunch -- any lunch. I have et such boring food for the last several days.

Anonymous said...

That change of season feeling - it's fab is it not?

peter said...

OMG I totally have daffodils too; they're an inch tall, and covered in snow right now, but if you leave a message they'll absolutely get back to you in a month or so.

I tried artichokes last year and we got one. ONE. From a whole row.

Zoomie said...

Just think, pretty soon you'll be photographing zucchini flowers and then you'll know spring has truly sprung!

Anonymous said...

You're going to be growing artichokes in your front yard? I applaud the plan, and I'm more than a little envious.

Anonymous said...

Code Green (jealous)!

I think artichokes would make fine ornamentals appropriate to the front yard.

Heather said...

I just started some cardoons by seed for our front yard. Since our space is a bit limited, I'm putting the unusual (read: unlikely to be stolen by neighbors) vegetables in the front like ornamentals. I'm hoping my trick works. Besides, it's not like someone can drive-by snag a giant thistle.

Stacie said...

so jealous! this has been the worst winter in the 10 years I have lived in the midwest, and this cali gal is missing home!! artichokes in the front yard... i love it! great way to keep robbers at bay.

cookiecrumb said...

Sean: I don't know how a mere dozen lemons has got me in a bind. There are too few to get reckless with, so like an idiot, I let them just sit out there.

Anita: I haven't decided if Meyers are a winter crop or year-round. Sounds like you're in for some more ripening.

Kudzu: No, it's simultaneously an innie/outie, see?

Morgan: You and I are both sliding into our favorite seasons, on opposite sides of the world.

Peter: Aw, just one artichoke? Well, we've already bought the plants, so fingers crossed.

Zoomie: Oy. First I would have to plant zucchini. :D

Julie: Isn't that cool? A little transgressive, in a totally landscapey way.

El: Never forget that I am jealous of your local wheat and cranberries.

Heather: I totally get that; unlikely to be stolen. Our street is short and populated with decent people, but I don't want to startle them (or tempt them).

Stacie: I still don't know how you do it. I believe you do it for love. xoxo

Zoomie said...

Inspired by your example, I bought seeds last week to plant when I get back. Greenie beanies, zucchini, etc. I'm gonna dig up that top level of my step garden and plant there - it gets the best sun.

Era said...

Wonderful little tidbits, I love reading about what's new in your yard!