Here in northern flyover country we focus upon the two most stunning changes to our landscape.  We meticulously keep track of the “freeze-up” dates when our lakes freeze over for winter and of course the dates when our lakes open back up.  Both occurrences impact us and most lakes have many years of statistics regarding these events.

​     When else but spring.  Where else but Minnesota.  As the last vestiges of winter melted and the first signs of spring appeared, winter returned with a vengeance.
     The Prairie Smoke plants by my office door had begun to green up and bud, the robins had been snowed upon twice, and the wild geese were nesting.  A foot of snow driven by 60 mile per hour winds and heralded by thunder put on hold any thoughts of planting potatoes or mowing grass.
     The old adage of the robins being snowed on three times before winter is over has been covered now.  The only problem is that last year they were snowed on about six times.  It seems we should have some real spring coming to us soon. We will see.

​     Being transplanted has always been a traumatic experience.  It might relate to moving, immigration, or just re-evaluating our opinions.  Moving is hectic and a lot of work, but can result in a better place to live or a better job.  Moving to a new place entirely can cause heartache and a sense of loss, but can also open up new possibilities.  Sometimes we do have to change and upgrade our opinions and this too can be hard but at the same time rewarding.
     Transplanting seedlings in the greenhouse can cause some short term shock for the plants but ultimately it opens up a new and larger growing space where plants can flourish and reach their fullest potential.  We are now much engaged in the transplanting process in our greenhouses.  The potential seems to be huge as we race toward spring.