There now, the many and varied urns and garden pots at the front of the house have been filled with the usual mixture of garden-grade soil, peat moss and sheep manure.  I have only to dust them liberally with bloodmeal, and then set to the task of artistically arranging suitable annuals into them, to grow and become a colourful display for our enjoyment throughout the spring, summer and fall months. 

Fuschia, geraniums, lobelia, cascading petunias and above all our very favourite, ever-blooming tuberous begonias will tumble out of the pots once they grow into their robust summer foliage and bloom.  This will be as good a day as any to drop by our favourite garden centre to see if they've yet received their shipment of begonias.  And this week-end, Victoria Day week-end, marks the usual 'safety' marker for the planting of annuals in this weather zone.

The dozen and more garden pots in the backyard are also now being filled, and into them I will pop the begonia bulbs and ipomoea roots in their dozens that I have accumulated over the years and shelter over-winter in the basement, to bloom again another year.