The only problem w/ gardening in California is that there is NO DOWN TIME. Normally I don't think of that as a problem :-) but right now the weeds are getting the best of me! But I recently put in 6 new rose bushes from Jackson & Perkins (approved by the UFW) and they are all leafing out. When all the roses bloom in May it is beautiful (I have about 70) My peach trees are in full bloom, the early daffodils are long gone, and the iris are about to pop. Thne azaleas are at the end of their run, and the camelias this year are quite nice.

But still, I used to love that first turn opf soil after a long winter. The smell of the soil, the rich dark color because the leaves had decomposed nicely. Last week a huge flock of Robins migrated through my yard, so those of you farther north, take heart. I have only seen robins twice in the last 20 years, so I was very excited!