Impatient for spring

Impatient may be a state of mind for many of us, particularly as we wait for the dullness of winter to pass and the green of spring to arrive.  We are currently enjoying a treat at our house -- impatients in bloom!  I grew up with my Mom carrying all here potted plants inside each fall to a back porch that served as laundry and mini-greenhouse.  We would get to enjoy geraniums, begonias, and impatients in bloom thru out the winter.  While the time of inside growing is much short in North Carolina, I've carried on the tradition here in Iowa.  And this week we are being rewarded with the bloom in our bathroom.  The double, pink flower is predicting the longer days that are ahead and the warmer weather.  Just a few more months and it will be back outside for this lucky bloomer.  I have some flowers that are entering their third spring! 

What a difference a week makes!!

First true leaves emerge on our tomato seedlings.  23 varieties to choose from -- just 4 months to go!

This year's tomato plants are progressing nicely.  We are starting to see the first true leaves on some of the larger seedlings.  We have at least four seedlings that have sprouted for all the first seeds that were planted.  The latest planting was completed on Friday, March 11 and we should be seeing seedlings soon.  Among the varieties are plenty of heirlooms, salad tomatoes, and the more recent planting included not only repeats of the heirlooms and salads types but also hybrids with plenty of flavor.  We have 23 varieties that we've planted that include reds, yellows, oranges, greens, blacks and purples!  For full details, go to the January 9, 2011 posting which lists all the varieties.