dreaming of: lathyrus vernus, the spring vetchling
IFEEL ENTITLED TO ANOTHER ROUND OF MAKE-BELIEVE, since the tenacious winter dared to deliver yet another ice storm this week, just when I had spied an entire square foot of soil and thought we’d turned a corner. This time, the stuff that dreams are made of: I’m imagining the vivid blooms of Lathyrus vernus, the spring vetchling, bouncing on their wiry stems in a sunny spring garden. Want to pretend along with me that brighter days are already upon us? This plant profile of one of my favorite little perennials promises to help.
Stan Horst says
March 9, 2011 at 12:35 pmIt really does help to look at such beautiful pictures. I’m sitting inside today, working on my computer, listening to it sleet here in Virginia. Hopefully this won’t stick around long. I know we’ll see warmer days soon! Can’t wait!
Susan {florali} says
March 9, 2011 at 12:04 pmIt’s charming. I wonder how it would do in California? I’m thrilled to find your blog!
Margaret says
March 9, 2011 at 12:51 pmWelcome, Susan. I have read that it ranges as warm as Zone 9, but California is so diverse, I don’t know what conditions you have. You could inquire at Lazy S’s (link is in the sources above) and ask if they have any insight. I got my plants from Seattle many years ago, so I know it does well up that way.
Marion says
March 9, 2011 at 12:51 pmI too have this in my garden, but it has never looked as beautiful as yours… perhaps this year will be the year!
Christine says
March 9, 2011 at 2:18 pmGreat blog, Margaret. As soon as I discovered this site, it moved way up on my favorites list!
This looks like a fun, little perennial. Any sense of whether the deer would gobble it up?
Chen says
March 9, 2011 at 3:03 pmGreat post, I have a pink form kicking around (neglected) in the garden for a few years. The plant profile you wrote gives an accurate and good description of its characteristics. It did self-sowed a couple of plants for me. Is it a long-lived perennial; should I try to divide it before it disappears on me?
Cindy Peacock says
March 9, 2011 at 3:35 pmI’m a city girl that is passionate about gardening. I live in N.C. so its a wee bit warmer. I love this time of year when the bulbs are just up. All the perennials are just peaking out of the ground. Its like seeing your old friends again. And each day you walk around the yard you see more and more. The birds are louder and very busy. The oaks are showing tiny buds and they are just a few weeks from bursting out.
Roy Klehm says
March 9, 2011 at 5:16 pmHi,
Daffodils just coming up here and first Snowdrops showing color…..but it has been a real winter.
Congratulations on your shift of life’s priorities. We sort of have this but are still tied down to our small business efforts
Sarah says hi……Roy
Margaret says
March 9, 2011 at 5:52 pmWelcome, BJ Smith. Glad you like!
Welcome, Roy — nice to see my old friend here today! Nothing but snow here still, but soon…hopefully!
BJ Smith says
March 9, 2011 at 4:22 pmBeautiful…my favorite!
Thank you
Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY says
March 9, 2011 at 6:20 pmLove the photo and it makes me even more ready for Spring.
Just read a blurb on your new book. Congrats, it sounds like a good read.
I’ll be sure to pick up a copy and when I finish it, I’ll put it on my bookshelf right next to my (autographed) copy of A Way to Garden.
Enjoy your day!
Mary M says
March 9, 2011 at 8:10 pmsooo pretty . . . wonder if it would survive in Central Florida?
Jean | Delightful Repast says
March 9, 2011 at 8:50 pmMargaret, I was drawn to your site because I’ve been trying to find a way to garden again for the last few years. I love to garden. Digging in the soil soothes my soul like nothing else, but it has been crowded out. The only thing I managed to plant last year was a tomato plant or two (failed due to the weather), but any self-respecting cook/recipe developer/food writer and blogger should have, at the least, a small kitchen garden! And a few flowers for the table. I shall add yours to the list of Blogs I Visit and surely it will inspire me.
Margaret says
March 9, 2011 at 9:49 pmWelcome, Jean. Yes, food gardening is as satisfying as it gets, as primal and basic. Nice to “meet” you, and hope to see you again soon.
Cheryl says
March 9, 2011 at 10:38 pmOne of my spring favorites, too! Delicate & pretty, well behaved – not rambunctious, just the thing our eyes like to see after the long cold winter. I’ve learned to be careful when weeding nearby….there are almost always a few seedlings in there. Thanks for the post. I’ll have pleasant dreams tonight and perhaps tomorrows rains will wash away some more snow.
Kathleen says
March 10, 2011 at 7:40 pmHi Margaret, just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading your new book, “and I shall find some peace there” . I also enjoy visiting here to catch up on the latest garden gossip. blessings,Kathleen
Margaret says
March 11, 2011 at 7:49 amWelcome, Kathleen, and thank you. How nice! Yes, we have some gossip to share, and hope you’ll jump in regularly as spring approaches. Nice to “meet” you.
Camille says
March 13, 2011 at 9:12 amI am currently obsessed with this plant!!! Because of you! Thank you! I can’t wait to grow it in my garden this year! I have the seeds goin’ in the greenhouse :) -Camille
Matriarchy says
March 13, 2011 at 10:19 pmI just scored some seeds for this in a seed-trading forum. Can’t wait to give it a try. Love when I can actually get my hands on something you’ve made me drool over.