While doing other yard maintenance, such as trimming hedges, deadheading flowering plants, and pulling expired ones out of pots, I realized that few of my petunias and snapdragons had lasted the winter. I've missed those pops of color among my smaller containers; even the geraniums aren't blooming at the moment. So yesterday I bought two six-packs of petunias, one pack of violas, and a white bacopa. (There weren't snapdragons available at Home Depot or the grocery store's plant section. I'll likely plant some from seeds, or check out local nursery locations next week.) Even with these new additions, there's still plenty of room for flower varieties I'll introduce once it's truly spring. Delphiniums and rhododendrons will be the first to plant, probably later this month.

I'll have a chance to do more gardening at any time on Monday and in evenings after work Tuesday-Friday. The landlady is expected to arrive next weekend, but she reschedules visits often. No matter what, my efforts will be appreciated by those of us who live on the property and enjoy relaxing in our little outdoor space. I do take it for granted far less often these days, as I get more and more fascinated with gardening.