March has a way of keeping me busy and this year was no exception. As spring sprung across my property, the greenhouse is waking up again after winter — and so am I. This month brought temperature swings, new growth, unexpected setbacks, and a few big wins worth celebrating.

March temperatures demonstrate one reason I love living inside a greenhouse – outside was cold, rainy, and windy while inside I had the house doors and windows open to the greenhouse. March was also the first day of the year it was comfortable to sit in the greenhouse, listening to an audio book, crafting until sunset.

Outside, the gardens are slightly ahead of last year, even though the deer continue to treat the property like their personal buffet. They’ve topped bulbs, nibbled columbine, and yanked plants straight out of the ground. Bird netting has helped in a few areas, but the battle continues. Still, there are bright spots: the ceanothus survived winter untouched, the flowering cherry is budding, and the outer ramp garden — planted mostly with deer‑resistant varieties — is thriving.

One of the biggest changes this month happened not in the garden, but in the old shed. After years of working my day job from the living room, I finally have a dedicated office and sewing room. I’ve been able to do a bit of quilting for the first time in about 8 years. It’s a small building, but it feels like a huge upgrade in daily life.

Spring is also in full swing inside the greenhouse. I’ve been pruning, planting, hauling compost, and reinstalling the cat screens. The peach tree is covered in blossoms, the asparagus bed is settling in for its second year, and the radishes, peas, cucumbers, and sun flowers are already sprouting. The pool, on the other hand, continues its saga — after draining and cleaning, I still couldn’t find the leak, so professionals are coming next week.

The east pond also got a makeover. I removed all the wood chips, brought in river rock, and started hauling stone for the edge cap. It’s one of those projects that instantly makes the space feel more intentional and peaceful. March always feels like the true beginning of the gardening year, and this one is no different. There’s plenty left to do, but the momentum is here. The greenhouse is waking up, the gardens are stretching, and I’m excited to see what April brings.

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