Both by leaps and bounds, and not at all at the same time.
In mid March, right around St. Patrick's Day as a matter of fact, we had a very unseasonable warm spell that spurred a lot of outdoor work and interest. And then the real weather came back and things slowed down again. Good because we still had Easter flowers for Easter, but bad because some projects we started ground to a halt. But one mustn't encourage global warming, so patience will have to win out.
Anyway, during our mini-Summer, we managed to finish the biggest part of the mulching I mentioned in a previous post. A total of 44 bags for the front patch alone. That with other bags has brought us up to 58 bags of mulch so far, some of which has yet to be spread. "And you didn't buy in bulk...why?" you ask? Because we didn't know mulch from a hole in the ground. And this way, we'll have our measurements for next time, when it's bulk or bust.
So far, the mulching has kept the crazy mini forest of doom away from the front patch, although I realize it's early days. But luckily, pretty much the only plants that have broken through are desired perennials that managed to survive our fall cleansing by whacker and chemical.
E was also inspired to cut down a Rose of Sharon tree that, while lovely, was planted WAY too close to the foundation of the house. I'm not sure it could have done any real damage, since, though tree-sized, it really was a glorified bush, but regardless, we weren't taking the chance. All that remains is a bit more stump to cut down.
I've planted some scallion seeds directly in the vegetable garden, and started some cilantro indoors. I hope to plant potatoes and onions this week or next. I wanted to get them out sooner, but it's probably just as well I didn't, with the up and down temperatures, although, I'm sure they would have been fine. Onward.
