Spring at the Taylor Homestead

We have been experiencing record highs this week. Spring here in the Pacific Northwest usually means 60s and a light sweater. Not so this year. My wife and I both get home and throw on shorts and a sports bra then pour ourselves a glass of cold iced tea. That is why I am so grateful that I captured a taste of spring at our new home. About a month ago I started waking up thinking “I really need to take my camera outside one of these mornings.” Early spring was heavenly on our block. The pink and white cherry blossom trees dotted the streets, looking like soft Dr. Seuss illustrations. The mornings were still chilly and heavy in fresh dew. A few brave asparagus crowns had broken earth. Even now as I write this post, I have my steamy mug of coffee, no music or morning news, just the quiet of my peaceful neighborhood, a few song birds, and the occasional school bus, shuttling the children off. Welcome to my home, my oasis.

Behold, our lamp post. Nearly every home in our neighborhood has the exact one. Dayna wants to rip it out, but I have a soft spot for it. So for now, it stays.

We feel so lucky for this little tree. I looked it up and it goes by many names, a few of which are: Jane Magnolia, Tulip Magnolia, and my favorite, Mulan Magnolia.

This is either a plum or a cherry tree. I am excited to find out!

Our Pyrus pyrifolia, asian pear tree.

Entering a lengthy photo montage of my asparagus. I apologize for my possibly overly thorough documentation.

I transplanted my asparagus crowns from my old raised beds, which I have never done before. So I was tickled to see that it actually worked.

I am trying to capture the tiny wisps of asparagus in the above photo. This is what year one asparagus looks like. You don’t actually get viable spears until the third season.

My collard tree, some strawberries, and a massive autumn sedum.

I thought these little radish sprouts were so cute!

Shameless plug for my love of these boots! My Justin Original Workboots are my absolute favorite. I muck them up in the garden and on the job. They are waterproof, steel toe, with Flexible Comfort System insoles and stampede rubber outsoles add toughness for long wear on any surface type. A bonus feature is they are electrical hazard rated for added safety.

I am really enjoying the convenience and design of my Greenes Fence raised beds. The dovetail design makes it so easy to assemble and add on as you grow.

My onion bed is now significantly farther along. Another reason I am glad that I took these photos when I did. It is nice to track their progress.

This year when I was picking out onions at Garden Sphere I specifically asked for a red and yellow variety that would be good storers. The Alisha Craig and Red Wing varieties will hopefully store between 6-9 months.