Once April hits, concerns about Spring not only intensify, they transmogrify. “This forecast sucks. When is it going to open up?” “Average is better than what we are getting right now.” “Hey, what about warm days, you know, being out of doors?” Well, in reality, like life itself, spring is a series of disappointments preceded by false starts, unwarranted optimism and misplaced hope — all leading to a kind of premature arousal. Trust me on this: Spring ain’t solid until May, so stop the hearts aflutter, and focus on what you can do before gardening begins in earnest. Prepare beds, put down amendments, plant the best trees, shrubs and perennials you can get your hands on. That’s it. That’s the best you can do in April. Except for a few radishes, some lettuce, and seeding things like spinach. And, It’s enough. Enough is better than too much. In fact, enough is enough. Bare Root Sale — April 18th — May 3rd The biggest, best and legitimately lowest priced tree/shrub sale of the year. The stock is dormant, well-rested, easy to move and plant. Get the jump on warm weather, do it while it’s cool in April. Come early before the best material is sold out! Contender Peach trees, witch hazel, mulberry, Minnesota Redbud, crabs, oaks, willows, and apple trees galore. Perennials April 22th–October 15th Nice thing about perennials, they are hard to kill. Yes, you can put them in early, especially if you are careful to mulch. Perennials will show near instant color and size this year because Dragonfly switched its practice and built around perennials early. We got tunnels full in March, and they are already looking up and alert. Another three weeks and you will feel great about buying these beauties. Forget early annuals, and go right to early, big and beautiful perennials. You will never regret it, or need to replant. Building Beds I like to lay it out early, mulch, manure, compost. Nature is a huge collaboration machine and the sooner you put elements in place to work with each other, the better results you get. Bagged amendments, blood meal, bone meal, composted scraps, get it down, get it breaking on the surface. Microbes work best in the upper two inches of soil — so feed it, let it fester, let it get right on its own. Do it early, do it often.  Bloom Community CafeFind Out MoreThe secret is out now. Bloom Community Cafe is open and in business, albeit only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:00 — 3:00. Things could change, will change, once food rolls in from local farms, but right now, that’s what we can staff and make work. Bloom has a small menu, typically a soup, a salad, a special and a sandwich. And, it’s local food. Plus waffles, quiche, baked goods, great coffee, some deserts — you know, a few other things. Scratch kitchen, fresh ingredients, real food. Customers have been positive, downright complimentary, about what they are seeing — and eating. The space is lovely, peaceful and comfortable. And, between the bookstore, house plants and local food, there is plenty to look at, pick up and take home. Like espresso? How about a beer on the patio? Charcuterie your thing? Local cheese? We’re here for you. So, as Bob Dylan once crooned, give Peace (Coffee) a chance. Local food, well-prepared, and a toss of old-fashioned flair. View this email in your browser  Local food returns to Amery! |