April in New England
April: A Season of Renewal of Fine Living and Simple Pleasures
As the last traces of a very long winter in New England melt away, April always promises renewal. The sound of happily chirping birds greets me in the morning, and the monotone landscape of brown, gray, and cream slowly fades away and is replaced with bright colors. This is the month of fresh starts, where we slowly trade our heavy coats for light sweaters and we open our windows to enjoy a crisp, invigorating breeze.
Signs of Spring:
For me, one of the greatest joys of April is witnessing the magic transformation of nature. Forsythia bursts from green to a brilliant yellow after pushing their way through the soil; daffodils, snowdrops, and squill grow quickly and sway gently in the breeze. It's then I know tulips won't be far behind. Once tapped for their sweet sap, our maple trees, that are full of red buds, will soon become bright green leaves. As of today, April 1st, I have not heard peepers, but I expect to hear them any day now. Ever since I was a child, the sound of peepers in the evening signals the true arrival of Spring and reminds me of simpler times.
Embracing Outdoor Moments:
April invites us outside to take part in the changes, whether for a leisurely walk through a historic village, the first garden planting of the season, or simply enjoying a cup of tea on the porch. It won't be long until New England's farmers' markets begin to reopen, offering fresh produce, locally made goods, and the first hints of garden-ready herbs. There's something truly special about bringing home a bundle of tulips or freshly baked bread, a small yet meaningful way to celebrate the season and create new memories.
A Time for Home & Garden Refresh:
For those who don't watch my YouTube channel, we are currently dealing with a lot of demolition and construction inside our home due to winter storm damage and ice dams. Items from four rooms are piled into every other room in our house, and the dust is ever-flying, but I like to think we are enjoying a bit of Spring cleaning our own way. We are clearing out the old and making way for the new, and by new, I mean new walls, ceilings, floors, and carpet. What I didn't get done in March, April is the perfect time to swap out cozy winter blankets for lighter linens, add fresh flowers to a room or two, and put away the last of the winter decor. Depending on where you live, some of the early planting can begin in the garden.
Early April Gardening: What to Plant
For those eager to get their hands in the soil, April is an ideal time to start planting cold-hardy vegetables, herbs, and flowers. In Zone 5, where I live, the season begins with leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, along with root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and beets. Peas can also be sown directly into the garden. Herbs such as parsley, chives, thyme, and cilantro thrive in the cool air, adding fresh flavors to seasonal dishes. For a touch of visual beauty, pansies, violas, and primroses offer early bursts of color, brightening garden beds and window boxes.
Celebrating Simple Pleasures
April is a month to slow down and savor life's simple joys: a drive along scenic backroads lined with budding trees, a rainy afternoon spent with a good book, or the scent of fresh earth after a warm spring shower. It's about embracing the transition, finding beauty in the small moments, and welcoming the promise of warmer days. On those rainy days, consider indoor activities like baking a seasonal treat, starting a new craft project, or organizing a spring cleaning session. These activities can bring a sense of accomplishment and joy, even when the weather keeps us indoors
So, as April unfolds, let's open our doors, breathe in the fresh air, and celebrate this season of renewal one simple pleasure at a time.