February days flow between winter’s cold and the warmth of early spring.

On the warm days one can sense the bustle of life underground and know things are happening.

Hellebores seem weeks late this year. At last some are coming into flower.

I ventured out a week ago, my first garden center trip in two years. To state that in writing seems absurd.

I bought a Euphorbia x Martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow’ and 72 pot-bound pansies for the meditation circle at greatly reduced prices. There were plenty of temptingly fresh pansies but the tired ones are greening up nicely after receiving some attention. They have yet to make an impact from afar, but up close they are strong.

I wonder should the euphorbia be cut back?

One of my favorite ground covers was in stock (and not on sale). I had much luck with Candytuft in the early years of this garden, but of late it is short-lived.

As I await many new fall-planted bulbs to appear, I have seed packets on hand and mail orders scheduled to help fill the garden this year. As February days trend toward spring everything seems possible, even lupines.