We’re almost into April. In other places, that may mean Spring is here. When I lived in Washington, D.C., it meant things were already blooming, maybe even past their peak. Here on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, April isn’t always, clearly, or undeniably Spring-like. The weather forecast for later in the week is calling for snow (even though it is in the mid-60s and pleasant right now) and, sigh, possible lake effect snow showers. Although, the news will bring groans and moans because so many of the folks in the Region are ready for Spring, it is pretty typical. When you go out for the day here, you pack for all four seasons!
Despite the snow in our forecast, there have been undeniable signs that Spring is indeed being coy. She is peeking around the corner and giving us a glimpse, here and there, that she will see us soon. The Spring Peepers have been peeping – these are little frog that sing like the chorus at school at the first signs of Spring. Another example of the changing season, a couple weeks back I heard the flocks of cranes migrating through the area. If you haven’t heard their call, you should check it out! When you first hear it, you have no idea what it is. It is that different from other bird calls. You can find a good example here from MyBackyardBirding.
Moreover, the daffodils are fully bloomed in my front flower bed. Some years, if they are really late, we wont’ see these until my birthday at the end of April. I have two volunteer crocuses in the middle of my backyard. They have been a constant source of wonder to our Cowboy Corgi puppy, Luna (aka the Luna-tic).
All this means that despite the snow if the forecast, the seasons are transitioning. Soon, we will be planting new annuals and cleaning up the perennial beds. Keep an eye out for our post on our go-to local nurseries and garden centers.