Spring is almost here!

I love this time of year. The buds are swelling on most of the trees, fruit trees are blooming, and live oaks are changing their leaves. Pretty soon, we'll be seeing the fresh kelly green of the first cedar elm leaves - our harbingers of spring - and the live oaks will, hopefully, be exchanging those stressed-out, buggy, fungus-y leaves for some nice fresh ones. Last year was hard on them. Let's cross our fingers (and knock on wood?) that this year is kinder.

Finally, our Texas mountain laurel will bloom this year. Sheesh. We've had it in the ground for about five years, and it's never bloomed for us! Pear and peach and plum trees are also blooming - including the native Mexican plums, which we can smell from a mile away.

I had a lovely time visiting the JBG gardens on Saturday, and bought a few heirloom tomatos - check them out, especially if you're on the east side: http://www.jbgorganic.com/ I believe they are continuing their plant sale next weekend, and they may be giving another Slow Food tour. If you go, be sure not to miss the giant Live oak by the parking area!