’tis the season for sneezin’

The older I get (no snide remarks please) the more I notice things – like seasonal sneezing and runny eyes. It’s not my imagination. According to the weather folks, right now we’re in the midst of a very heavy pollen bloom. I believe it.

The trees along the edge of our lot are full of blossoms spewing out their sneeze-inducing pollen, as are plants everywhere at this time of year. I recently took up walking for exercise – to rebuild strength and stamina after last winter’s illness-induced lack of activity. This morning, by the time I’d finished my 2.5km journey at a brisk pace that saw me complete it in 17 minutes (thanks #ABBA soundtrack!), my nose and eyes were running like crazy! And the sneezing doesn’t stop. But, it’s a small price to pay for the opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature on a daily basis.

The fields near our home have been fertilized, tilled and harrowed in preparation for planting. I assume the farmer wants to get the seeds into the warming soil before the forecasted rain arrives in a few days. The province is tinder dry at the moment and there is an outdoor fire ban. There are two out-of-control forest fires burning in the Miramichi area so needless to say, firefighters are hoping for a deluge to offer relief.

A few years ago my cousin (#JudyHutton) gave me what was then barely a twig to plant. It is now growing up to become a beautiful shrub that will display crimson leaves in the fall.

Meanwhile, my hostas and other annuals are stretching up and filling in their bed. I’m not much of a gardener (more like the Kevorkian of the houseplant world) but I enjoy watching the few hardy plants I have coming back each year. Advice given to me by #SunNurseries here in Sussex has paid off – the plants have survived in spite of me!

The only annuals I deal with are in hanging baskets on the deck. They offer some cheery colour, especially before the in-ground plants are ready to show off for the summer season.

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Location New Brunswick, Canada Hours By Appointment Only
search previous next tag category expand menu location phone mail time cart zoom edit close