Spring officially began on March 20th. It’s absolutely amazing to see the changes that surround our world each and everyday during the Spring season. If you blink, you could absolutely miss it! From the tiny, first buds, early flowers, greening of grass, to trees achieving full leaf maturity once again. The Earth is vibrant with the colors of Spring.
The days become longer in this season, bringing us closer to nature as we spend more time outdoors. The entire Spring process is a gradual progression of warming our outer environment all the while, warming and feeding our souls for renewal. Spring… a time of rebirth in nature and also for me. I hope you will enjoy the evolution of Spring of 2025 through my camera lens.
Floral Spring, A Peak Inside The Garden
From the earliest of blooms to the heartiest flowers beginning to emerge as the warmth begins to encompass the outdoors…
First Blooms of Spring, Forsythia Field of Color…TulipsDancing with the SunSnap!!! The colors of SpringYellow Beauty Iris Glory Double White Amaryllis in BloomPeonies are almost ready…In Full Glory…Peony Strawberries 🍓 growing Lettuce!I’m personally experimenting with growing Microgreens for the first time!!! These gems offer a BIG nutritional boost!!!When ready to harvest… Cut, rinse, and dry … store in refrigerator after drying thoroughlyCabbage growing along the Greenway
Landscape Capturesof Spring
As the early days of Spring begins… the leaves were noticeably absent, but as Spring temperatures rise, the changes begin to slowly emerge. How many slight variations can you find from beginning to end of this sequence???
Hues of Blue Cloud Action Crisp Sunrise Light Frost… the greening of grass begins Monday Sunrise… it’s the simple things Contrail Sunrise Breaking ThroughDark Clouds, April Rain Quiet April Morning Sunrise Sunset Hues and a different viewFoggy Morning in the GardenGolden SunriseThat Touch of Pink Evening Sunset
Spring Mountain Time…
A Spring trip back to Buck Mountain to watch these beautiful mountains grow into Spring, and oh my goodness… I’m in awe…
Mountain Laurel in Bloom
Cicadas…
The arrival of Cicadas in our neighborhood this year is a first. My initial, first memories of these bugs dates back to my childhood playing in my grandparents front yard listening to the consistent, noisy music of these creatures in Elkin, oblivious to their impact on the surrounding landscape.
Now, in present day, each time I go out my back door, those childhood memories come flooding back to the forefront, of those past, playful days, and now, in the process of adding new memories of cicadas in my garden.
I completed a of research about how cicadas life cycle to learn more about the impact of these creatures. My poor little dog, Cookie is so intent on hunting these critters each trip outside that it has become almost impossible for her to accomplish her “natural business”because she gets so distracted by them.
Finding Bigfoot
The legend is strong, about the wandering Sasquatch, in our foothills… Can you believe that he has been spotted at our local grocery store this Spring??? I simply couldn’t resist taking a moment to grab a quick peek for myself and a couple of pics.
Happy Springtime everyone!!! Hope it has been an adventure filled season for you as well!
Beginning in early 2024, I wrote these opening lines: “I have decided to take this year and document and capture memories… from our everyday life activities. Everything isn’t glamorous, we work long hours, 6 days a week, but Richard and I find time to share and unwind. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite collected moments via photography.”
What a journey it has been! Here’s a look at a few of my photo favorites from each month in 2024. Below each photograph, I will include the original link to each month from 2024, in case you missed it or would like to see more photos from each month.
April is here and the Gardening season is upon us! I have prepared for y’all a quick list of TEN basic gardening essentialsthat are selling quickly AND are just all around good to have basic gardening supplies.All of these items are found inside the hardware store as the 2024 gardening season begins.
Spring Garden Essentials 101
1. Pair of new Gardening gloves
Why replace those old, dirty, grungy gloves??? First of all, the wear and tear factor of your old gloves, notice any holes??? You probably need to get rid of them. Then you must consider the dirt itself… soil does what is does… soil has bacteria and fungi that are constantly breaking down organic matter, wearing gloves just makes good sense as you garden. Been fighting in the weeds already??? Notice a patch of poison ivy? Definitely replace your gloves after the exposure. It’s definitely a good idea to get rid of those old ones for a new pair. I must admit I’m guilty about this one!!! I haven’t replaced my gloves 🧤 lately so this will be on my to do list first 2024!
These basic garden gloves start at about $3.00 a pair at Wilkes County Hardware
2. Potting soil– Get growing with a fantastic growing medium. Baccto is definitely in order to refill your pots this Spring. Our repeat gardening customers love this potting soil AND it is a fantastic value!!! Other potting soils price their bags per quart or by Cubic foot(based on volume of product and additives) but not this brand! It’s priced by the gallon, making this a very affordable option and a much better value for quality potting soil! As a FULL service hardware store, we load these heavy bags into your vehicle for you!
This potting soil is “the workhorse of potting soils” and hands down my favorite! The price point is well above the competition priced at $8.99 for 25 pounds, NOT per quart like the box store!!!!50 pounds at $13.99
3. Fertilizer– As you are planting, add a bit of fertilizer it will go a long way to help you during the growing season increasing the bloom potential for your flowers and adding nutrients to your plants.
Sprinkle into soil, mix well and water well.
4. Deer repellent- This is a vigilant and necessary action in our area. It is also very frustrating for homeowners who have a high deer population in their areas to work so diligently for months on creating a beautiful landscape to wake up the next morning to find their hard work all eaten up by 🦌 deer. Ugh!!!
In order for this product to work well, you MUST reapply after a rain storm, or weekly to keep those pesky deer out of growing gardens.
FYI: On a personal note, I have had to switch methods from using pods to sprays/ granular to keep deer activity to a minimum in my yard. If one method doesn’t seem to work well, don’t feel guilty about moving to another method to see if you can minimize the damage to your plants.
Wilkes County Hardware has a variety of Deer Repellents available for purchase
5. Water hose/replacement sprayer nozzle – If you water frequently during the spring and summer months, you need to evaluate the wear and tear on your water hose and also consider the consistent sun exposure on your water hose! Did you accidentally leave your water hose outside during the winter season??? It might be a good idea to replace the old worn hose or stop by to pick up a new hose washers, or replacement sprayer.
I highly recommend the Zero-G water hose! It is a lightweight hose and easy to water gardens without dragging a heavy hose.
6. Weed control spray– As the weather warms up the weeds seem to grow better than flowers 😳enough said right ??? We keep a variety of different type of ready to go sprays and concentrate weed killers suitable for your specific needs. Stop by to chat with us about your garden care needs soon!
A variety of weed control products are available at Wilkes County Hardware from earth friendly, 2-4D, to total vegetation control.
7. Long handle Gardening Tools– Shovels, rakes, hoe, weeding tools…My goodness!!! The list is long!!! It’s now time to check and evaluate your gardening tools. Do they need to be sharpened, OR do you need a new handle???? Before you begin the gardening season, consider the cost of a replacement handle or purchasing a new tool. Wilkes County Hardware can help you with tool sharpening, replacement handles or finding a new tool.
Scuffle hoes have become quite popular with our customers and sell out frequently I love this long handle tool to get into a smaller space or help with weeding Can’t find in the hardware store? Ask us to order it for you!
8. Hummingbird feeder- Hummers are on the way back to your yard in April. That’s right… these birds are repeat customers in your yard so be prepared!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 busy little hummingbirds.
Hummingbird feeders beginning at less than $10
Creating A Hummingbird Habitat: A Few Tips for a successful season
A. 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.
B. 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.
C. 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.
D. Your Hummingbird feeder should be easily visible for your enjoyment and easy to spot by the hungry little hummingbird. Ideally the same location each year!
E. 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.
9. Hand clippers- I cannot tell you how many times I have misplaced my handheld clippers that I frequently carry around as I’m working in the garden. It’s always good to have an extra pair!
10. Watering Can- Watering is a task that is ongoing the entire gardening season. Treat yourself to a new watering can from Wilkes County Hardware
11. Bonus : Some of y’all might be saying, she can’t count, she only said TEN.. but I HAD TO throw in a bonus… The Gorilla Cart– easy to maneuver, pneumatic wheels, durable tub, dump cart feature. This cart is on my shopping list too y’all!
Something about digging in the dirt is just good for the soul each and every Spring. Watching those beautiful blooms create new life and seeing the colors abound in the garden, simply a pleasure and brings a smile to my heart. My hope… this blog post gets you excited and ready to garden. We are ready and waiting for you to stop in and pick up a few gardening essentials all the while, sharing a few stories about your upcoming projects and goals for 2024 Gardening season. Let’s get Growing!
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
The Hardware Life - A wife's journey into the hardware business 