My gardens consist mostly of perennial plants, trees and shrubs designed to provide food and shelter for birds, year-round. Some time ago I stopped pruning back the deadheads of Cone-flowers, and left the dry mop-heads of Hydrangea on all winter until about this time of year. Below are daffodils blooming amidst the cone-flower stems.
For three days in a row this week we actually had seasonally warm spring weather, so I dedicated as much time as possible to cleaning and re-landscaping the back yard. I removed one shrub and one tree, both of which I considered ugly, and the tree shaded out other much nicer shrubs. Two mottoes that guide me in the garden; “if it’s ugly – out it goes!” and when pruning , “if it was meant to be here, it will grow back.” Below, a scraggly shrub in the willow stump that was ugly year round.
Above, lower photo is after trimming the fern, removing the ugly shrub, and transplanting a golden mock orange shrub into the newly empty hollow of the willow stump.
Today the temperature dropped and the rains returned. We may even have snow tomorrow! But for those few days, I had a productive time in my gardens with the faithful companionship of both beagles; Daisy always on patrol, and Max looking on approvingly from sunny spots!
Thanks to Sophia Alves for inviting us to share spring images this week. It took me a while to decide to share my messy gardens, however it is the reality of spring – always a lot of cleaning to do!
On your walk with life, please honor our earth, encourage dignity and share kindness. 🐾
https://photographias.wordpress.com/2023/03/18/lens-artists-challenge-spring
Lindy Low LeCoq 
Excellent. Spring blossoms amongst winter detritus. Max loves it!
Thank you John. Max loves lounging in the sunshine – so do I however it’s hard to do when there’s so much left to clean up!
It’s nice to see that your beautiful garden has to go through “ugly” for awhile. Makes it even better when it brightens up!
So true, Jill!
Those are great mottoes I should follow myself! I liked that you showed how much work is involved to have lovely spring gardens. It’s all worth it in the end but I’m dreading the fact I’m still to do that too.
Thank you Sofia. I just tell myself to do what I can – one step (or garden plot) at a time. Eventually it is tidy and I can relax and enjoy!
it almost feels like spring! My garden is still covered in a thick white blanket..
Thank you, Maria. It hasn’t been snowing here, though it is still quite cold. Not sure when the ground will be warm enough for tomatoes!
Love your beautiful garden, Lindy!
Thank you, Amy!
There certainly is work to do to get a beautiful garden! Lovely spring and dogs resting while we are working!
And when we are finished with our cleaning of gardens we too get to lounge in the sunshine!
♥