Often around here we have a daffodil blossom-or-two boldly breaking by spring equinox (March 21). This year at the 12-hour mark, we had a daffodil sprout-or-two cautiously crawling from the underground.
A greening here, a sprouting there, and everything’s getting along with the spring show as usual though. But this year is different. This year there are perennial vegetables coming up I planted last spring.
I’m reminded that all this seed stratifying, and hot water baths treatments etc. that comes with growing perennials is a lot of work, but temporary work; a few year stint of seed starting to get these perennials — and annuals even, onto growing and seeding themselves throughout the food forest.
From there the plants take sight selection and breeding into their own hands, growing wherever their seed falls, seeding wherever they like it best. Eventually, the garden will have suited itself to the site, more because of my non-action of letting them fend for themselves than my action of selecting sites for them and taking all their needs upon myself.
Pretty neat I think.
Mortal Tree 
Your spring is late this year and in the UK after a very mild (but very very wet) winter we are having an early spring. Everything seems to be at least two weeks ahead, if not more. It’s a bit unnerving really.
Glad to see your perennials and self seeded annuals doing their thing. I find it’s a joy to go out and poke about from late winter onwards to see what has decided to grow and where. I am looking forward to watching your garden develop.
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For us what is unnerving is the frosts that are still coming, despite that, cumulatively, plants have gotten enough heat units to put out tender blossoms. It’s very pleasing to see the perennials taking care of themselves despite the crazy wether.
I’m fascinated to hear about your stark contrast of weather though. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it, as I appreciate all the priceless info you’ve shared here and on your own blog. Thanks.
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That’s very kind of you. I love sharing what I have learned in my garden. I wrote the book in order to be able to share as much as I possibly could. It enabled me to structure the information much more logically than a blog ever could and hopefully it will prove to be a useful and easy to access reference book. I am not just trying to ‘plug’ it but I really recommend you read it!
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Will do!
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