Ferns planted in anticipation

A package of ferns jumped into my cart at the store today. A small bag of flower fertilizer soon joined it. I managed to escape before the entire cart overflowed with promises waiting to be fulfilled. I have never grown ferns before. I am not sure my soil is fertile enough for the fronds. The pH is also a problem, although I haven’t tested it in years. Ferns prefer a much more acidic soil than what I have.
I tucked the roots into stray flowerpots in order to give them a head start before they find their final resting place. They are currently sitting outside soaking up the March sun.
Once the weather warms for good, the ferns will be introduced to their new homes under the maple tree. By that time, I am certain that many more plants will come home with me. The plan is to only buy plants that will thrive or at least survive, but sometimes I can’t resist pushing the boundaries of good sense.
After tucking the potential ferns into their pots, I knelt down and began the never ending task of pulling crabgrass from one of the flower beds. The long lateral roots were easy to remove from the muddy soil. I was careful not to do too much as the worms I unearthed seemed decidedly cranky at being disturbed.
I picked up the trash that the border plants had been hoarding all winter. I wondered why the Polar Pop cups seemed to gather in my shrubs. Were they having some kind of meeting? Were they plotting to take over the world? Perhaps the edges of my lawn are their preferred breeding grounds? I may never know.
I petted the emerging catkins of the pussy willow bush. It is one of my favorite shrubs. I love how the silvery catkins sparkle in the sun. In a month or so the catkins will have a golden glow before they disappear for the year.
I planted the pussy willow because I had such fond memories of the one we had on the farm. It was a big friendly bush. It was such a privilege when I was finally old enough to put the Christmas cactus under its soft branches to live out each summer. Plus, the silvery blooms are one of the first signs of spring.
I know that March weather is capricious at best. These last few warm days are just a tease. Winter may be taking a break, but it isn’t over yet. It is way too early to clean out garden beds. It is too early to plant anything in the ground. Yet, the warmth and sunshine compel us to go outside.
People who have been cooped up all winter can be seen walking the broken sidewalks. Car and motorcycle radios are blaring, causing me to cringe. Homeowners are outdoors cleaning up the debris that materialized over the last few months. The ambitious are trimming their trees and drawing up elaborate plans for spectacular plantings.
Seeds, bulbs, rhizomes and other potential plants beckon to us from colorful displays. They all say, “Buy me!” The pictures of perfect blossoms scream about the beauty to be had if only we give in. Unsuitable packaged plants are jumping into unsuspecting carts. Energy has replaced the lethargy that comes with below zero weather.
Spring may not be here yet, but it won’t be long. Then we can go outside and weed, plant, and clean in earnest. 
We can soak up the sunshine and feel the energy return to our bodies. I plan to enjoy the sunny weather as much as I can. I hope you get the chance to do the same.