Come a little bit closer...

We live in the exurbs of New York City.  It's commutable. Barely.  But for City folk, it's far enough away for them to think it's "upstate."  It's not, but it is remote enough to have some of the country character about it, particularly in the number of folks that like to bike, walk, and run on the local roads when the weather is nice.  We live on a dead end that's quiet enough for those activities, but a big chunk of the road is a steep hill that discourages all but the hardiest cyclists and runners.  But walkers?  They abound!  And while some are our neighbors, there are many that we know only by the nicknames we've given them -- "The Bouncy Walkers," for example -- a trio who seem perpetually jolly and apparently have springs in their shins causing them to bob up and down with every step.

In the height of gardening season, all of these perambulators frequently slow down to check out our gardens, see what's blooming, and exchange greetings and the occasional local gossip.  It's very gratifying (and not a small ego boost) to see others enjoy our gardening efforts as much as we do.

But today, though the sunshine and not-chilly-but-not-really-warm temperatures drew several walkers out, none of them stopped.  Oh, they cast a glance or two, but spring is so late that there is no opportunity for long distance admiring.  Everything is still in a state of imminence.  As in everything is budding and swelling and greening to the point where blossoms are imminent, but not here yet.  So, from the road, things still look pretty barren.

However, there is plenty going on if only you get close enough to see it.  In fact, in many ways, some of the most amazing plant forms appear long before they resolve themselves in the plants we can actually recognize.  

So, come a little bit closer, and look at some of these small wonders...

The most fascinating forms show up on our Chinese tree peonies.  While they are glorious when they are in full bloom, and attract audible "oohs and aahs" from passersby, the early buds have a beauty all their own. 

Delicate fringes shield the emerging flower buds, like lace fans wielded by skilled courtesans.  The buds appear to be peeking shyly, enticingly, between the slats, offering promises of blooms to come.

Each bud is clasped within its own protective tendrils

Up close in the sunshine they are truly remarkable

These seem to be praying for more Spring warmth

While the tree peonies may be the most exotic denizens of the Land of Small Things, they are by no means the only ones I eagerly anticipate.  There are, for example, the chives.

 

Chives are the earliest edibles to emerge.  And the first to grace our plates.  And I must confess, I really don't give them much of a chance to grow before I hack off the first green shoots and sprinkle them on the potato/endive puree that accompanies our other spring favorite, shad roe.  About an inch and a half –- as you see above -- and that qualifies as the first crop!

As for the rest of the garden's imminence, it really requires some close scrutiny.  So here, in quick succession, a look at what else is about to burst on the scene:

Lilacs

Clematis

Weeping Cherry

Herbaceous Peonies

Hydrangea

Sedum -- a variety so tenacious, we call it "weedum"

The forecast for next week is temperatures around 60... which means that all of this imminence will explode, and by next weekend, perhaps we can once again entertain the walkers!