It’s spring in Colorado, so that means we should be prepared for any weather conceivable. We noticed buds on some of our flowering shrubs today. The vivid yellow crocus blooms are up in the flower beds and violets are peeking shyly through the lawn. There are still patches of snow in the shaded areas, left over from the last storm. The back porch gets only a few hours of sun, so it retains a layer of crispy snow overlaying a thick sheet of ice.

We had lots of branches dropped in the recent storm, but we got them collected and shredded, saving two trash cans full of wood chips for dressing the shrub and flower beds later in the year. Spring fever is running rampant, and we’re supposed to have 60-degree weather later this week. The birds are very active and have depleted the bird feeder twice in the last week. The squirrels are incredibly busy, digging in the lawn for last year’s treasures and exploring their recently revised network of branches.

We’re seeing lots of people, mostly teens and kids playing outside in shorts and some tees, but it’s still a little chilly for those of us that are moving slower. I’m ready to sit outside in the sun, but find it’s not quite comfortable yet. I still need a long-sleeve shirt when I go outside, but inside I am in the mode of removing, then replacing, the shirt constantly.

With no snow shoveling currently needed, I can think about all the spring chores I need to begin. However, with the expectation of more snow and colder weather, most of them can wait ‘til later.

I did get my Nichols Garden Nursery catalog, so I can begin the process of researching all the seeds I want to plant this year. Of course, I have my usuals that are required, but every year I try to mix it up a little. It’s hard to pass up greens, squash, beans, carrots and beets. And I usually just buy tomato plants, since our growing season isn’t as long as some other places and I like to be able to pick Early Girls before August. I also tend to buy squash plants, otherwise I end up with full rows of squash that I cannot eat, freeze or give away before they spoil (my friends and neighbors have been forewarned).

We also plant some herbs and flowers in either the garden beds or flower beds. I try not to disturb the flower beds until it’s warmer, since I see lots of information about protecting the bees and other insects that may hibernate in the leaf cover there. And if you aren’t careful, you’ll be pulling up perennial plants, thinking they are weeds. Better to let everything get a good start before messing around there.

Meanwhile, the snow shovel is still on the front porch, and the rakes are still in the shed. It’s way too early to turn on the sprinklers or hook up the hoses, but those items are on my growing list of spring chores. In a bit, I’ll break apart the compost pile and top dress the garden beds with rich soil. I should have enough left over for some of the flower beds, but need to be wary of emerging plants and critters.

 We carefully scrutinize the weather forecasts to see if it’s going to stay warmer or if there’s another storm on the way. But, it’s spring in Colorado and “Nature bats last!”