Amazingly, unexpected “frost-and-freeze” weather warnings seem to have recently become the major topic of discussion among our local gardeners. Many have covered their emerging plants with plastic or fabric row covers, or brought their seed-starting containers indoors or into their garages, porches or even greenhouses.

We are reminded that in 1977, “snow continued to fall as late as the middle of May in the area,” according to the Boston Globe.

In one of today’s newspapers, there was an article about a local strawberry farmer spraying water overnight on his strawberry plants. Interestingly, we are told that the water produces a “latent heat,” so that the temperature is not affected. I will definitely have to research that.

The record-setting pollen counts have kept me indoors more than I would like. A mask is a good idea and we have plenty of them left over from the pandemic.

There’s still much pruning to do, especially the Knock Out roses that are displaying many dead branches.

The small vegetable garden is ready to be seeded with some Crimson Crunch red radishes, Green & Red Romaine lettuces, Astia zucchini, Endeavor pickling cucumbers and Emerite pole filet beans. A couple of terra cotta pots are full of chives that return year after year, and a rhubarb clump is already exhibiting some large leaves.

Bunnies have always been a challenge, and for years we’ve used plastic fencing to keep them out. This year on the recommendation of horticultural expert/author Melinda Myers, we are testing Plantskydd, an organic granular animal repellent, made from 100% dried blood (porcine and/or bovine). Plantskydd emits an odor that animals associate with predator activity, stimulating a fear-based response, which results in animals “looking elsewhere to dine.” So, we’ll see what happens.

On a positive note, we are so happy to have our hummingbird visitors back again this year. There are at least three of them enjoying the nectar feeder outside our kitchen window.

Welcome back dear friends! We’ve missed you!