April, preparing her “green traffic light”… April, a month when Spring moves from a quiet, slow, slumber to a full blown reality. The trees fill out with abundant green leaves almost overnight, and the grass greens up. The last of the cooler nights are a short- lived phenomenon and the warmth of a lasting Spring has arrived.
“The Greening” of the GreenwayNo Fooling Around… April 1st sunrise was absolutely stunning. Early Morning Storm Clouds Solar Eclipse sunrise… lots of clouds in view Solar Eclipse Sunrise
April 12th… This series of 4 photos were taken the morning after the brief tornado touchdown in our neighborhood. We are fine, no damage to our home. The skies were dramatic this quiet Friday morning.
High Drama Clouds Dramatic Sunrise Heavy Clouds Life in Full Color
Blooming in the Garden during the month of April
Peony buds are beginning to show signs early this year. Normally my peonies are in full bloom around Mother’s Day.In full bloom by the end of April!Solidarity among the purple blossomsIn full bloom along the front sidewalkMy Roses are beginning to bloom Simply Lovely!
New Recipe Alert 🔔
Pork Stew and cornbread on a rainy April Sunday afternoon view complete recipe here… Pork Stew
In the Wild
Wispy Wildflowers along the GreenwayFirst signs of strawberries 🍓 beginning to ripenThese sweet horses walked up to have picture taken near Shiloh General Store
Finished Creative Pieces
Poppies are glazed and ready to enjoy!
Happenings inside the hardware store in the Month of April
Many people consider clover as an invasive weed in their lawn. I believe it is now a LUCKY task for the finder… no matter if you find a 🍀 four leaf clover, all are lucky!
Why do you suggest it is a lucky task???? Clover spreads and often can take over in your grass. Is that lucky??? Well maybe not if you love a perfectly manicured lawn. But for those who continue to read this story maybe you find a bit of inspiration in finding clover today.
I found this green patch of clover flourishing several years ago in my grandparents yard. It was a thick patch of clover that was overtaking an area in their lawn near the driveway.
It was a beautiful capture for me as a photographer, and I cherish it as a sweet memory of my grandparents yard and flower garden.
Time has passed and I recently found this quote concerning clover that is too good not to share today as we are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and it provided me a bit confirmation of what I already knew.
Legend says that each leaf of the clover has a meaning: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and, if you can find a 4-leaf clover, the fourth leaf represents luck.” —Jean LeGrand
I never found a four-leaf clover 🍀 in that small patch of clover at my grandparents house, but I was definitely LUCKY. My grandparents gave and showed me all three of those characteristics…hope, faith and love. So I consider myself to be the luckiest person alive. Here’s to you finding a beautiful patch of clover today.
One of the happiest and brightest shrubs in the Southern landscape has to be the Forsythia. You may also know Forsythia as “Yellow Bells”, due to the shape and color of the blossoms . I think the first time I ever heard the term “Yellow Bells” reference to a Forsythia, came from my Granny many years ago when I was growing up.
Complete Spring … Forsythia has 4 petals on each bloom… Forsythia blossoms from the spring are produced on the old wood from previous year. The remaining buds overwinters… the leaves are a gorgeous reddish color in the fall season. A complete bush in all four seasons.
Once the Forsythia breaks into bloom, Spring is not far away. Maybe that is why I consider it to be a “happy bush”. The sunny, vibrant, buttery-yellow blooms signals my brain that the spring gardening season is not far away. That in itself is JOY.
Forsythia is native to China and other parts of Asia
I recently read that the word Forsythia is related to anticipation. Yes, I get that… the anticipation of SPRING… Beautiful, joyful things yet to come.
What can we learn from the Forsythia??? The blooming Forsythia maybe our slumbering winter wake up call. The arrival of these vivid blooms definitely launches me into a spring planning and gardening clean up mindset. Rightfully so, because it is truly the time to begin focusing on some key elements for your lawn and garden maintenance, taking our cues directly from Mother Nature via the blooming Forsythia.
Forsythia is a fast growing shrub but if you must trim it wait until after blooming has been completed.
Once the forsythia finishes blooming, pre-emergents (for weed control) can be used in your lawn. A Pre- emergent is used to help prevent weed growth in your lawn… before the weeds actually begin!!!
If you use the “gardening cues” from the golden blossoms of the Forsythia, and apply your pre-emergents on time, it should then be re-applied three months later, so think about another application in June.
A multi-tiered approach may occur at your home… the focus on the garden… starting seeds indoors or even beginning to think about planting cool season crops once the Forsythia blooms are fading all the while working towards a beautiful, green, and healthy lawn. Whatever you decide to plant or grow this year, just enjoy it, savoring the season.
As you are reading this, the time to begin your lawn care maintenance is upon you! In a few short weeks, your actions will be futile if you delay using Pre-emergents and other actions will be necessary in order to avoid weeds in your lawn in the form of post-emergent weed killers like these in the photo. Post-emergent Weed control for lawns: 2-4D works well to reduce weed growth without damaging lawnForcing Forsythia inside can be a lovely way to brighten your mood on those cool, rainy, foggy days in MarchWithin a few days these blooms are opening up! Use a knife to slice the bottom of the stems to open them up so more water can flow into woody stem and make sure to remove bottom blooms in place in warm water. Foggy, rainy March weather
The Forsythia is legendary to hold medicinal qualities in past centuries. I believe that still holds true for me… maybe not so much in the traditional medicinal sense. The vibrant yellow hues are medicine to my soul, gearing up for another sensational Spring. Happy Spring Y’all!
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I took a series of photos on the morning of March 1st during this spectacular sunrise. I posted a few of these directly on my Facebook page without edits. My mom and dad noticed the eagle in the background in a few of the pictures from the series of shots. She had texted me about the pictures I had posted and told me to go look for it… A few other Facebook friends commented on the eagle as well… It was a very sweet surprise for me and maybe a message that It’s Time to Soar in the Month of March.
A HUGE thank you to all who continue to support my blog by reading and sharing. An even bigger blessing, my family and friends who are consistently the wind beneath my wings offering endless support, love and encouragement. Thank you.
I hope you enjoy the photos from my day to day activities in the month of March.
Searching for Signs of Spring… Piper and I always use this Willow tree as a reference for the arrival of spring along the Greenway. The first tiny leaves are forming as we walked on March 2nd.March 5th! What a difference a few days make!March 13th All Damned Up… a huge pile of brush and tree limbs are pushed up against this tree, beaver 🦫 busy at work or excessive rain????“Leafing Up” By March 30th some trees have a good base of leavesGreen Acres… well probably not like the tv show 😂. Planting in progress on the fields along the Greenway Trails Hiding In the Mist… a foggy Sunday morning March 3rdFire Sky Sunrise Enough said, just do it!Peeking Through Breaking Through the Fog Drop In… Rain has been fairly abundant in the month of March.Awakening… March mornings often bring a crisp, cool feeling that brings you awake immediately after walking outdoors.Cotton Ball Clouds Morning Glitter RebirthLavender Skies Good Friday… Sunday is Coming Easter Saturday Sunrise Easter Morning Sunrise
On the Home Front…
Hello Buttercup… My mother-in-law always called these yellow daffodils buttercups. These mini daffodils are in full bloom in early March in my front flower garden. Daffodilin Bloom Bringing the outdoors in… Forcing branches of Forsythia bloomed almost immediately! Will definitely do this again next year!In case you missed this earlier blog post…https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/03/06/forsythia-spring-is-here/Tomato, lentil and vegetable soup (keeper recipe)First attempt at making a Burnt Cheesecake, no crust on bottom! Delicious and easy. Will definitely make again!Reinventing the BLT… Bacon, spinach, avocado, tomatoes and ranch(out of mayo 🤪) I asked Benjamin if he wanted me to make him a sandwich, he said no… it had too many vegetables on it😂Pineapple Casserole for Easter… Thank you Ashley Frazier for sharing your recipe for Pineapple Casserole! It was simply delicious! Hey Bud! It’s a beautiful sight to see the our trees beginning to bud outTime to plant… getting my hands dirty again and putting these in my planters in MarchFinding Clover https://hardwarelifewife.com/2024/03/17/finding-clover/Spring has replaced the winter gloom, with abundant blooms… Bradford Pears in full bloom everywhere! Vibrant Blooms of Spring The Pick of the Crop… Annual Tulip picking trip 🌷Colors of the Rainbow Full Bloom Openingand closing act… once tulips fully bloom and open, the flower petals don’t last much longer Cookie and Joy: These two always enjoy #Nationalpuppyday March 23rdBunny building…, it has been fun creating new Easter pieces for this Easter season Easter Sunday Sunshine Happy Easter!
What’s have we been streaming in March???
1. Apple TV: Finished Masters of Air, began Manhunt, and Palm Royale.
2. Max- The Great Pottery Throw Down, you don’t have to be a lover of all things pottery to enjoy this show, it’s a fantastic competition based show with amazing art in progress
3. Hulu Live: March Madness… basketball games! 🏀, The Food That Built America, Lady Bird Diaries, and also streaming our favorite weekly shows.
4. Netflix: The Gentlemen
At the Hardware Store…
Unique Hardwood Chopping Wood still a necessity on the cooler days of March Change in Store HoursAssembly… we do that too!Beautiful afternoons in March… front door open to let the fresh air and sunshine insideNothing but Blue Skies Adding a bit of color to the ladder wallMoving forward into Spring!Saturday Sidewalk Sale!Stacking out new merchandise for Spring and Summer New end cap for Spring Spring Lawn and Garden Ready Count Me In! The jellybeans are counted and ready for your guess! Congrats to Jane Will for winning the hummingbird feeder! Making my own Easter GrassAll finished and ready for Easter 🐣Did you know that you can shop our shelves at Carolina Treasures on Main??? You can find me there checking on the shelves regularly Did you know that you can shop our shelves at Carolina Treasures on Main??? You can find me there checking on the shelves regularlyWho’s ready to dig into the dirt????
Wayne announced his retirement on March 25, 2024.
Wayne Matherly has been an amazing asset to our business as well as a mentor to both of us for the last 8 1/2 years. It’s simply hard to imagine life without him at Wilkes County Hardware.
Richard and I have been blessed with Wayne’s leadership and presence, as he shared and we received a small part of his knowledge. He taught us both so much about various areas of the hardware store. His vast experience with locks and keys, plumbing,and Wayne’s knowledge of lawn and garden has not been wasted… we have soaked up all the time and experience we could with Wayne.
They say that “Age is a just number”but, I know when the numbers begin to grow in size, our bodies often tell us to slow down a bit. Wayne, we definitely honor your wishes to slow down.
So what do you do when a piece of your heart goes home??? I’m not sure… but we plan to celebrate this new milestone of retirement with Wayne soon, honoring his wishes on how he chooses to do so.
Congratulations to Wayne, on a long career in the hardware industry. You will surely be missed dearly by all of us and hoping that you know that you have left a legacy of hardware excellence behind. We love you always! 💕
Wayne at work through the years… 2015-2024
As our month of March concludes, Wayne is soaring into retirement and I’m drawn back to the scripture that I began the month with for strength and courage as we begin a new chapter in our business.
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Have you noticed that the grass is greener and the trees are lush with leaves?? The May flowers are emerging with blooms and the bees are busy gathering pollen. The hum of spring is underway.
The birds, bees and hummingbirds are humming the sounds of spring and summer.
Which leads me to my next question… Are y’all ready for hummingbird season? Here in North Carolina our season officially begins each year around Late March – mid April. Yes, Put your hummingbird feeder out around tax season- April 15th as they are warm season birds. If you looked at your calendar lately, it is already May😳.
Have you spotted any hummingbirds yet near your feeder??? Do you have your feeder out???
If you haven’t prepared for your tiny visitors yet, you can visit us at Wilkes County Hardware for a great hummingbird season. Did you know that hummingbirds tend to return to the same areas as the previous year? Hummingbirds are migratory birds & they will be eager to find a full feeder. Hummingbirds will return to the same source of food each and every year, if it is readily available. Be ready with a full feeder for your favorite little hummers.
What if you have never been successful in attracting hummingbirds to your garden??? Can you find success in 2023??? Yes!
Creating A Hummingbird Habitat: A Few Tips for a successful season
1. Hummingbird feeders ideally should be placed 15-20 feet from a window. Shrubs and trees nearby for resting areas for hummingbirds as they feed, and a have water source close by like a bird bath or a fountain.
2. Hummingbird Feeders should be cleaned out every few days as the temperature begins to warm up and feeder should not be placed into full sun.
3. Hummingbirds will be attracted to all the beautiful colors in your yard/garden. Yes, you can plant certain flowers that will attract hummingbirds. Vines, certain perennials, and tubular flowers are welcome sources of nectar. This year is a great year to add those into your landscape. Our flower seed order is already in the hardware store. Stop by to purchase some new flower seeds soon. To add these lovely flowers into your lush garden landscape.
WCH Recommends: Morning Glory and Hummingbird Mix
4. Your Hummingbird feeder should be easily visible for your enjoyment and easy to spot by the hungry little hummingbird.
WCH Recommends: A Shepherd’s Hook to viewing your feeder easily
5. Be patient, it may take several weeks before you notice any little hummers at your feeder. Leave your feeder in place for a least two weeks before moving it to a different location.
6.Lastly, use clear nectar in your feeder only. Yes, hummingbirds love the color red, but nectar is clear in its most natural form…the beautiful red, tubular flowers that hummingbirds love to feed from in nature. If you wish to attract more hummers, then go for a red hummingbird feeder and clear nectar.
WCH Recommends: Clear Hummingbird Nectar
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The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 