WOW! You are way ahead of things in Nova Scotia. Two of my gardening beds are really waking up right now, but my pride and joy of winter sowing are the Blue Poppies of course and they are just starting to break ground. This will be their fifth year and that's good. YES!!

The other perennial Poppies (Orientale) are also waking up and this will be their first year. I love the reds and oranges - all winter sown two years ago.

Many, many plants haven't peeked through yet, but their crowns are sturdy which tells me they are just fine. A lot of the property is a slope facing north which causes me to be behind a bit.

I started bulbs last year so the Daffodils are peeking as well but today I had quite the surprise. DH called me over to a garden to ask what 'that thing is??'. The Fritillarias are up!! They look like monsters breaking ground. Looking forward to this for sure!

I know every feeling you write of and take great pleasure as you do in all of them. :O)

Hi Tiffy:

Like you, my backyard is north-facing and sloping towards the back, so that's where my 'little river' is. There is still a lot of snow against the house but the area in between is dry and the grass is green. My little vegetable bed is ready for planting - just waiting for my son to help me with the edging. Most of the things that are up are in the front beds which are in full sun. The daffodils and tulips on that side of the house usually poke through the snow.

Today I saw some Asiatic lily buds poking through, and like you, I saw seedlings of my perennial oriental lily. You must be thrilled to have your blue poppies return. I just loved the pics. of them you posted last year.

I have never grown Fritillarias, but they are beautiful plants. They have been growing three houses away for years. I am sure you will enjoy them.

Thanks for sharing your joys with us. We have so much to be thankful for.
Northerner.