Suburban free-rangers

The girls had a fine day worm, grub and whatever-bug hunting. It won't be long until we are back to three eggs a day. Are those Camelia petals on the ground? Where was I when it bloomed? Most be a couple of earlies because the 75 year-old bush is covered with buds.

Gardeners! Start your spinach...

Cool weather favorites like spinach and lettuce are ready to go. The time is also right to get your pre-sprouted peas in the ground. In the Pacific Northwest, it's too early to put the pea seeds straight into the ground. The damp will get them before they have a chance to get going. Soak them in a shallow bowl covered with a couple of layers of damp paper towels until they get a strong little root going - then plant them. Be sure to protect them from slugs (organically) and birds (nothing but net). These went in the ground today.