From Ice to Nice

What a difference two weeks can make in Atlanta!  Two weeks ago an ice storm turned my backyard into a winter wonderland.  Today, by contrast, was a gorgeous day with temperatures almost reaching seventy degrees. 

I went to Home Depot today to get some manure and compost to ready the raised beds in the kitchen garden.  When I saw 9-packs of cool-weather veggies such as kale, cabbage, and lettuce, I couldn't help myself.  I brought home a pack each of these as well as a pack of brussels sprouts.  It's probably a bit premature to set these out in the garden as I'm sure there will be more winter weather ahead, but I decided the risk is worth the pleasure of digging and seeing something green in the beds.  

The frigid scene two weeks ago

My Chinese fringe flower shrubs (at right leaning over fence) suffered some damage from the ice storm.

My indoor seedlings are also up and doing well.  Red creole onions, tomatoes, sage, basil, and parsley are already growing tall.  Tiny wisps of celery are just beginning to peek out of the soil, but the peppers are just lying there (as they require light to germinate, I don't cover them, but just press them into the soil).  I'm thinking as the temperature continues to rise, they will start to sprout.

Packs of kale and cabbage awaiting their new homes 

Newly-planted romaine lettuce (with fencing erected to keep the poodle from trampling it)

Brussels sprouts transplant 

I have cloches at the ready in case the weather takes an ugly turn again before spring (and as it's only February, I'm sure it will).  Today was so pretty, however, that several indoor plants were able to take sun on the patio before having to go back inside for the night.

Pumpkin seeds dreaming of the outdoors

My new "herb tower" with a few high-rise residents; the green onions were started from kitchen scraps.  

Here's hoping the weather stays fair.

Wishing you happiness in spades,

M.R.S.