Spring is coming, I promise :)

[Rachel Butler]

Today was a beautiful day in Austin, TX. We had a very late dusting of snow this past week. Austinites are like Bambi on a frozen pond on snow days; quite a sight. Of course, I could not help running out in it and playing a bit and more importantly bidding the cold winter a fond farewell. Having just returned from visiting my sister and family in Illinois, it really began to dawn on me how difficult it must be in colder climates to have to wait for Spring to spend time in the garden. I walked around the yard today, looked and tiny green leaves sprouting up here and there. The breeze, still chilly, was singing a sweet prelude to the overture of Spring. Ahh...come here sunshine!

This just a little note to friends and family. A few words of encouragement. Spring is nearly here and it will be magnificent, bountiful and good. If you have a frozen-in gardener, buy them some seeds. Or maybe step out to a home and garden show. I made a great trip to a local nursery today to do a little research for me permaculture class. This was my favorite find. Texas Scarlet Flowering Quince. (Chaenomeles speciosa)

Speaking of Permaculture, great class on Saturday. I learned how to build a wall out of cob. And my interesting fact of the day was this: if you have to demo walls, sheet rock is made of Gypsum, which can be used as a soil amendment. I did a little bit of research and learned even more about it. Click here to download pdf.

Dad and I will be building raised bed gardens this next week for a friend. I cannot wait! This past week we planted Vietnamese string beans with the help of fellow FOOGS member, Sharabella. Green bean casserole, here I come!

Have a gloriously delightful week!
Love you bunches - Rache

[Sharabella Fini]

Hi Rachel, really enjoyed reading your blog; I am in much anticipation of Spring and watching the video has strengthened that in me even more; not that I'm not a believer that we need to experience all types of weather; all the seasons and what each represents; but the energy coming forth with the start of Spring is strongly felt; bringing new beginnings in many areas.
So glad you are enjoying the permaculture class; wonderful addition to one's knowledge. Until later.