the overwintered garden

I know I've mentioned a few times now about how neglected my garden has been these last 8 (already!) months since our back deck went in. And have I mentioned how clean and *itchy to get in the earth* my gardeners hands have been all this time?
Well, too clean, and oh so itchy!
In hindsight though it's all been more than ok. I've still really enjoyed the pottering and the watching and the planning.
Things have really continued to power along through this winter of deferred action and prolonged fingernail cleanliness.
Perhaps it was my will and watching alone that kept up some pretty delicious production in the yard... or somewhat like me maybe it was just the pure stubbornness of those remaining plants?
Nevertheless I am indeed grateful for the smallish winter bounty we have had the pleasure of enjoying here from this space. And I am steadfastly and enthusiastically awaiting the foreseeable and teasing bounty of Spring....
Yes there are many, many possibilities still to come.
I can see them in the apple blossoms....
and in the volume of small mulberries that this year hung tight and survived our late season westerlies...
I can taste them in the frittata made from many fresh eggs and parsley I enjoyed for my dinner tonight...
they are in the first fuzzy skinned peach babies on my tree...
they were in the capsicums that somewhere became child powered rocket ships...sigh
and they are in the fennel....sweet fennel yet to hang tight and survive the onslaught of many pecking chickens who share with me a favored taste for its aniseed crunch! Oh yes.
So independently but very loved, the garden has overwintered more than well... and for now I will still continue to potter, watch and plan knowing that as I do I will still miss its dirt under my nails and my hands will surely still itch...