It’s still snowing like crazy. We got about another 10 inches so far. As I was clearing the driveway, I made some final decisions on what to plant in next year’s gardens. I rewarded myself for the shoveling by ordering some seeds from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. They have taken the “safe seed pledge”, they don’t buy or sell genetically engineered seeds. There’s a Safe Seed Resource list online that lists sources from all over the world.
For the first time, I am going to try and grow leeks so I started some seeds indoors. In a few months, I’ll sow some more leek seeds directly in the garden to see which lot does better.
handmade. homegrown. beautiful life 
Oh, I can’t imagine 10 inches of snow! Brrrr! 🙂 Love your pics!
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Thanks, Linda. We’re up to a total of 3 feet out there now! Wish I was down your way:)
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You’re more than welcome — as long as none of that weather comes with you! 😉 😆
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I feel a bit guilty for our freedom from big snow this year. Your region is paying for our good fortune. I just hope we don’t end up too dry as a result. May all the snow you receive provide great hydration in the spring for growing things! Good luck with both batches of leeks!
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I’m hoping all these freezing temps and heavy snow decimates the tic population, it’s a real problem here. You are so right, lots of snow makes for great gardens for the coming seasons. Thanks John…glad you’re not getting hit with all this and I hope you get just enough to keep things at a good hydration level:)
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You’ve had a hard-snow year this year! We are sitting with our 4 inches that melted a month ago! I’ll be watching your leeks experiment. I love leeks and they’re expensive!! Nice to grow your own.
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I saw your pruning post and noticed things were looking almost like Spring! Leeks are crazy expensive and from what I’ve heard, they are heavy feeders but do really well in this area….fingers crossed
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I totally have potting room envy. Look at that beautiful space! And I love the colour of the potting bench. Glorious!
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Thanks! When I bought that it was flourescent yellow. Your blog is great..you have some really good looking compost going on there and I loved reading about the urban gardening in London, how beautiful they are!
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I know! Aren’t the neighbours in London amazing?! So inspiring, right? Thank you for your kind words. The blog is still new but I am enjoying it. It has been really nice to connect with like minded people and learn from you all.
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I love experiments like that. I look forward to seeing which thrives better.
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Me too. My guess is the batch sown outside:)
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What an inspiring picture of seedlings on a snowy windowsill Cynthia! I tried Baker Creek too for the first time this year, and have seen a lot of others who have too. Seems like a great outfit.
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I can’t wait to get the seeds! That will really make it feel like Spring is on its way
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I almost feel like we live on different planets…it is forecast to be 87 here on Friday, no moisture anywhere. I love looking at pics of real winters though….thanks for sharing 🙂
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wow! 87!! I didn’t think L.A. got that warm. Our forecast for Friday is -5 degrees, lol
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It usually doesn’t in the winter. In the summer it can get to 105-110. It’s plain awful, feels like you’re living in an outdoor oven. I wouldn’t want the other extreme either …though, I always say you can add layers, but can only strip down so much!
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I dont think I have ever experienced temperatures like that. wow!! that is really hot
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Oh my, 3’of snow and icicles fit to impale anyone on the porch…I bet spring can’t come soon enough!
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Those icicles can be lethal! I knock them down before I take the dogs out and they keep growing back
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I also like leeks. I hope they do well in your garden. I like your photos, a mix of winter and spring.
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I didn’t have the best garlic crop last year, onions either. Maybe i’ll do better with leeks. I didn’t really think of the contrast when I took the picture. Thank you!
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Leeks are wonderful! When we had a big garden I used to start the seeds off in pots and then transplant them. Good luck with your leek experiment and hope all the snow soon begins to melt gently!
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That’s good to know. I was wondering if they would get scraggly indoors and if the roots were touchy about being disturbed. Thanks!!
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Leeks are a bit of a ‘thing’ in our part of northern England – clubs and communities have Leek Shows in early September to show off their prize leeks 🙂 I’ve never actually taken part myself but we did grow leeks for eating. I used to sow them in a seed tray in early February then transplant the seedlings into individual small pots (I used to use recycled plastic coffee cups actually!) The seedlings were kept in the greenhouse and then I planted them out into the garden when Spring had sprung (around late April). The old guys on the gardens near us who grew giant leeks for the Leek Shows showed us how to ‘plant them out properly’ by dibbing a hole about 6 inches deep with a dibber (do you call them dibbers in the US? … a fat pointy stick!) then you pop in your leek and, whilst holding it straight, pour water into the hole to set the soil around the leek – that was their method of leek planting 😀 … I know you do lots of gardening so I am sure you will have your own methods of planting out 🙂
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Actually, I haven’t grown leeks so this is really helpful information, thank you! I’m pretty sure we don’t have dibbers here. I might get one now if I find one, mostly because I like the name. Leeks are getting popular here but 10 year ago, lots of people probably wouldn’t have recognized one
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What an excellent notion to visualize the garden in bloom when shoveling snow! Jum, leek, my favorite vegetable, I eat it at least twice a week! What is your favorite recipe? your photos do curl my toes with cozy delight!! Hang in there…spring will come! xoxo Johanna
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This snow was really deep and heavy..I had to think of something to keep my mind off it. I usually make potato leek soup or roast them. Hopefully, I’ll get a giant crop and discover new recipes! What’s your favorite? thanks, Johanna!
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oh my goodness a white world with perfect icicles on your verandah, I cannot imagine living in such a world -it is something that I have absolutely no experience of at all. I sit here in singlet summer time although this summer has been very mild unusually so with a lot of rain and cloud unusually so . lovely to have found you and your stories.
Sandra
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I so enjoyed reading your beautifully written stories and getting a glimpse of how you live…very different indeed! To many, myself included, a dream come true.
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thank you Cynthia . Telling stories about the Beauty and Wonder of the Earth is my passion as is living my life as respectfully as I can. The great thing about this blogosphere is that I am meeting many many people like you who are all doing likewise . living a beautiful life indeed.
sandra
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I enjoy reading your blog but most of all I enjoy your photos, absolute visual treat. I have grown leeks for quite a few years (although this year I have decided it will be a leekless year). They are easy to grow and the best way to start is when you pop the young shoots into the earth, fill with water, wait 5 minutes and fill with water again and leave – don’t fill in with soil.
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Thank you! I will try that. I hadn’t heard that before!
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