Now, spring, now!

The flowers are just beginning to bud, as are a few trees. One warm day yesterday, a spring tease. Here's an even more hopeful indicator: We pulled back the mulched leaves that had been protecting the asparagus that we planted last year. And found this underneath:

I am in awe!

The largest shoot is only a few inches long, but it is recognizable and vibrant-looking, even in its paleness.

We planted some strawberry plants and baby spinach, and Evan turned up some more turf to connect two of our four small garden plots.

The garden is otherwise a wash of ugly dirt and shale, worn down by winter. There are a few perennials trying to come back to life; a feeble row of garlic, green tops beginning to perk up; and some volunteer cilantro clinging close to the ground.