The summer begins?

The week began with a lovely Easter which we spent quietly at home. Mark is a big fan of carrots so I always buy him a special one for the holiday.

I got up Monday morning and went to the window to determine the source of the strange noise I'd just heard. Turns out the folks behind us were getting a new roof. But then I heard odd noises in the opposite direction.

Madison Gas and Electric company had arrived to begin putting in new gas lines for the street with new connections to all the houses. They'd set barrels along the curb last week in prep for the work, so I don't know why I was surprised to see them. 

Due to this work our street is currently only one lane and one direction. When the city crews come in a week to tear up the street for new water and sanitary sewer lines — plus a total redesign to allow space for bikers and pedestrian — the street will be closed to everyone but residents.

The city crews will potentially work 7 days a week until November. Once the project is all done, there will no longer be any on-street parking. This project was not too dusty or noisy but that will not be the case with the larger city project. I think we will be spending a lot of time with our windows closed.

Mark has probably taken thousands of photos of the work this week. I have to admit the process is fascinating and the crews are so polite and friendly. 

I tried to do as much garden prep as possible this week, but it was sunny with temperatures in to the 80°s most days and a lot of wind. It was exhausting as the leaves aren't out on the trees yet so there was no shade. We have been under fire warnings all week; a rare occurrence here.

Because of the road work, I went out into the street and dug up the tulips that I had planted in the traffic island. They're potted up and I'm hoping I get some blooms. A big job that was not on my to-do list. 

Yesterday Mark had his unexpected project when the neighbors behind us said they'd had compost delivered and it was more than they needed and did we want some. All we had to do was come and get it

Luckily it was a downhill trip from the pile to our garden, so Mark brought three big wheel barrow loads down. We piled it on a work path until I figure out where I want to use it. 

This extremely hot and sunny weather has pushed the garden into overdrive. I discovered Fritillaria raddeanea had opened when I walked through the garden yesterday morning. Last year it bloomed on May 6 — a difference to three weeks! 

Frost is predicted this weekend. This seems to be our new normal. Extremely hot weather to begin the season followed  by typical cold spring temps. But it's a big problem when delicate plants are being pushed so far forward. Viola odorants var. rosea will likely be less bothered by the cold swing than the hot weather. I think I will have to get flat on the ground to get a face-on image of the tiny flowers. 

Comments

[Ginny]

Love the bunny in his carrot-mobile! Or is it a sports-carrot?
Road construction projects, no fun.
Too hot, too early, no fun!
I'm unfamiliar with that fritillaria. Its gorgeous, I'll have to try to find some. And those pink violets are so sweet. I have some too.
Free compost, downhill, is a windfall not to be turned down. Lucky you!

[Kris P]

OMG, what upheaval! Months of dealing with a street closure and 80 degree temperatures already with another freeze in the forecast is a lot for the universe to throw at you at once. This too shall pass but I hope your sanity remains intact. The friendly city workers and the boon of compost from your neighbor are positives, though. I'm shocked at the warm-hot temperatures across the country while we're once again in the 50s here.

[Beth@PlantPostings]

Yes, the weather...so weird. Lucky you with the compost. Glad to hear you had a pleasant Easter. :)

[Barbara H.]

So sorry you are now experiencing what we went through this spring with inopportune temperature swings. Glad you were able to rescue the tulip bulbs. Those are big changes in the neighborhood - sounds like street traffic might be heavier in the future with no street parking.

[Kristin]

One of the things I like best about you and Mark is your genuine interest in so many things. It makes life so much better, and helps you get through the hard stuff like infrastructure work! We just got back last night from two weeks in Greece, and I am anxious for the rain to stop and the sun to come up so I can get outside. I know I missed the best daffodil weeks, and want to see what else is happening. I was pleased to see that the crabapple we planted last fall has buds, and that we didn't miss it!

[danger garden]

Your road work brings back memories of ours back in 2018, what a nightmare that was. As for your temperature swings, I keep thinking that is what's going to happen here. Instead we just keep plugging along at colder than normal temperatures!

[Elizabeth]

I'm so surprised that you're under fire warnings. I think of them belonging in hot, dry areas, and the snow has just barely left there. Madison certainly seems to have its act together. The different departments appear to have coordinated their schedules so as to efficiently execute the work to be done. I don't know how many times here I've noted (with a fair amount of disgust) one agency tearing up streets that another agency just a few months earlier had finished. Seems so terribly wasteful of time and money. I hope you keep your sanity through all of the activity - its going to be a long stretch. Good job you, rescuing your plants from the center median, and so very nice of your neighbors to share their compost bounty. May is almost here!

[Linda Brazill]

ELIZABETH — I certainly hope the departments are working together. You are right that so often they don't seem to speak to each other. The utility guys can't finish putting in their pipes until they street surface is removed. Definitely going to be interesting to watch.

[Linda Brazill]

GINNY — I was so happy with those Frits last year that I added a few more. But out of 7 plants two came up blind. Think I will move them to a sunnier spot where the others are doing well. Last year I ordered a bunch of pink violets in all different shades from a nursery down south. Waiting to see what I get. ​

[Linda Brazill]

BETH — As for the weather, now I can't decide what to do. Cover things? Don't cover them and hope for the best? I always feel just because they were OK in a previous cold snap it doesnt mean they will be OK this time.

[Linda Brazill]

BARBARA —​It will be interesting to see what the traffic is like. They are also changing the intersection at our end of the block which I think ​may reduce traffic.

[Linda Brazill]

KRISTIN — ​I have to admit the fact that Mark is interested in all this construction and in taking photos, has me interested as well. It really helps us, as you say, to not feel so frustrated at the changes. ​

[hb]

Early heat--yuck. I dread that.

Big construction project--I hope it doesn't reduce the ability to enjoy your garden--November is a long way off.

Our road was closed for a couple of months a few years back when there was a partial collapse of the rock underneath the road. It was somewhat inconvenient to go out, but the complete lack of traffic was actually rather wonderful.

[Linda Brazill]

hb — The car traffic is waaaay down on the street. But the construction equipment is ​up. Hate those safety beeps when they back up. But it's all fascinating to watch.