Spring is fun here in the Carson Valley. The weather can change in what seems like an instant and temperatures vary by sometimes 30, 40 or 50 degrees. Since spring officially arrived, we’ve experienced rain, wind, a lot of snow in the mountains, more wind plus some really nice, sunny days. I would like to share some images of this spring from my area and the Jacobs Berry Family Berry Farm in Gardnerville.
(Don’t forget to click on images to enlarge them)
This semi-flood was caused by our March rains. I just found out this area is part of a natural channel for the Johnson Lane Wash to the Carson River that has been blocked by the main street into the area where I live. Water was here for months last year. If you want to buy this, I also have a bridge to sell you.
Daffodils love the spring and will pop their heads up even in the snow.
Daffodils in the front yard
The Jacobs Family Berry Farm starts its spring with MANY daffodils. These are part of the flowers that surround a 150 year old cottonwood tree.
These hyacinths are also in area around the cottonwood. Soon there will be many different types of flowers in bloom almost appearing as loyal subjects of King Cottonwood.
These daffodils lining the driveway look out on the Sierras just a few miles away.
You can see the berry field in back of the fence and daffodils. The berry canes will be tied up to their wire frames getting them ready to begin their journey to producing the tasty berries. They are usually ready by mid-July.
The beginning of this year’s beautiful iris in front of the old blacksmith shop and next to the berry field.
These rhizomes from which the iris grow are at least 100 years old. They continue to provide a radiant accent to the farm. Diana has taught me to use a variety of plants that will bloom in stages throughout the spring and summer, thus giving resplendent color throughout the summer.
A peach tree just beginning to bloom.
Peach blossoms. Our winds have been up to 50 mph the past two days and I hope the blossoms don’t get blown off the trees.
Pretty pink blossoms on a tree next to the yard where weddings and other celebrations are held.
http://www.jacobsberries.com will give you a history and splendid photos of the Farm if you would care to learn more about it. The Farm has quite a history and you can still walk around and into structures that are close to 150 years old. Diana Jacobs is a dear friend who I’ve known since kindergarten.
Spring also brings some different birds. One yellow-headed blackbird arrived last week. Maybe he was a scout. This morning there were at least 25 of them flocking to the feeding area.
Red-winged blackbirds have also arrived. They and their yellow-headed cousins love to thrash the bird seed all over the place and soon empty the feeders every morning now.
A pair mallard ducks has arrived also. They were here last year, too. I don’t know if they are resting while on migration or they just decided to come here for a couple weeks before they move to a breeding ground. I heard a canyon wren yesterday and that’s exciting to me. I’ve never seen one, but I know the call. Soon tiny puff balls will be scurrying with their quail parents.
See what I mean about weather changing quickly? Howling wind last night and snow this morning that took even the weathermen by surprise.
See the snow in the raised garden behind the tree? This is why it’s not wise to plant anytime before Mother’s Day even though the stores are already tempting us with beautiful plants. Spring is truly a delightful time that brings all kinds of entertainment, activities and surprises.
buzzardnotes 