It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.
Charles Dickens, Great Expectations

 March is almost over, but Winter is reluctant to give up its hold on the land, while Spring is equally determined to take its place. Even though the lines of battle seem to shift moment by moment, between cold windy shadows and and soft sunny stillness, there are clear signs that Spring will soon be victorious:

The twigs of maple and willow have taken on tints of red and green, evidence that the sap has moved out of underground shelter.

Hardy perennials are emerging from under their insulating blanket of leaves.

The daffodils, hardiest of them all, have actually been blooming for several weeks.

In the fields and pastures, the tiny flowers of henbit offer the first nourishment to honey bee scouts venturing forth on warmer, calmer days.

The buds of trees and vines are beginning to unfurl. It is risky business, as the buds are tender and are easily damaged by a late frost.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Garden get underway. The beds have been refreshed and are warming up. They are being monitored for temperature so that such things as peas, carrots and broccoli can be directly sown as soon as possible.

Seedlings of Brussels sprouts and kale have already been planted in their beds. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant have been started and nurtured indoors under lights. They are taken outdoors to spend days and even some nights in the cold frame to prepare them for planting once the weather has stabilized. In the meantime, seeds of heat loving squash, melons, and okra are being started so that they can be set out as soon as possible.

March does indeed fill us with Great Expectations of Beauty and Bounty in the seasons to come.