Pre-Spring has begun. This is usually the time between Candlemas and Spring Equinox, although it can stretch longer—even until May some years. It is not Spring, when annual plants go into the ground and students wander around looking dazed after long season of being inside, hiding from the rain. But it is not Winter, either. These are the signs.
1. Snowdrops and crocus are blooming in town. Indian Plum is blooming in the woods.
2. Forsythia and plum branches are ready to come inside to be forced on the mantle.
3. Rain comes in spurts and waves.
4. The early greens are sprouting in the greenhouse and the lights shine through the evening dusk. The cat is in the greenhouse as well.
5. Pruning is done. The compost pile is huge (the compost pile is always huge).
6. Mud. There is mud everywhere. Our shoes are filthy.
7. The carrots and apples are almost gone at the Farmer’s Market.
8. The stored squash in the larder needs to the baked before it rots. The potatoes are starting to put out feelers.
9. Parsnips. Leeks. Mustard greens.
10. On Saturday, a cabbage, all purple frills and bright green interior, glowing in the damp and slanting spring light, can bring the entire Market to a halt.
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