Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2009

Spring off to a slow start

By Ken Robertson, Herald Executive Editor

Spring is having a hard time of it this year.

The daffodils bravely popped up their heads a couple weeks ago, only to be battered into submission by gusty winds, hard rain and occasional hail. Most are but tattered shadows of the proud yellow blossoms they sported a few short days ago.

Tulips are starting to put on their spring show, and the first of the flowering trees are blooming into white and delicate pinks. And still this spring is an iffy thing.

My quince bush has popped out in salmon pink, and perhaps its sheltered corner will protect the blooms for a few more days. And the yellow, white and purple pansies on the front porch are proving tougher than their name would imply.

I fear once again this year the yuccas will have but a short few days to show off their translucent white blossoms before the winds will carry the petals off to Finley and beyond.

But lord almighty, I’m tired of a long winter’s gloomy gray days, and spring 2009 certainly has been a disappointment so far.

I’m longing for a summer night when it’s pitch dark but still 85 degrees, the crickets are chirping and the barn owl up the gully behind the house is softly hoo-hoo-hooting.

A night when in the still air I can catch a whiff of basil, thyme or fennel and when big hawk moths blunder through the hanging flowers, hoping a plump petunia will yield a bit more intoxicating nectar.

I know summer won’t arrive by the calendar for almost another 10 weeks. But I am sooooo ready for it.

Ken Robertson: 582-1520; krobertson@tricityherald.com

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