I have removed all of the straw that I frantically applied when we had that nasty cold snap in March. I am using it to mitigate the mud between the paths of the new raised beds in the vegetable garden. This is an excellent time to add that those of you who did not mulch, either before or after the cold snap, have perennials that are looking just fine. I have not heard of anyone losing anything. So all of my hand wringing was for naught. Lesson learned.

All of the perennials look excellent although they were ever so eager to be rid of inches of straw depriving them of sunshine. I am even digging and dividing and giving away. Never have I been this early with this delightful chore.

The bulbs are looking a little ragged. Those that came up with gusto early March are looking a little burned along the top. Some of the buds that froze are not going to regenerate. But the crocus is blooming madly as is chionodoxa, squill, puschkinia and scilla. These are the early birds and a welcome sight indeed.

Which brings me to what is not successful: digitalis (foxgloves). How I love foxgloves. Forever etched into my memory is the lovely sight of a magical woman's garden across the Bay where she has planted an entire mountainside to foxgloves where they thrive. I have forever tried to replicate the same but have failed over and over. And yet again this year. I have decided that I will, from now on, start only Foxy foxgloves. They bloom the first year. Thus, I shall treat them like annuals, enjoy what they have to offer the first year (which is not nearly as spectacular as their second year) and call it good. No more fussing with foxgloves.

It also looks like this is going to be a banner year for garlic. The tops are four inches tall and looking eager to meet the season, fortunately for me. Nothing compares to homegrown garlic. Planted in the fall, it is the first green to show. Amazing. I always think of garlic as being Mediterranean. If you have yet to enter the realm of real garlic may I introduce you to Filaree Farm, 182 Conconully Hwy. Okanogan, WA 98840, 509-422-6940, www.filareefarm.com. There is a whole world of garlic out there just waiting for you to explore. The earlier you order for fall planting the more assured you will be of getting just the kind of garlic your heart desires.

We installed a cold frame this year. This is a first. I have forever wanted one and I know that there are so many of you who build your own out of reclaimed windows and I say more power to you, but I really wanted this to happen NOW and there you have it. It even has an oil filled cylinder that can be adjusted and will lift the lid for ventilation. I am so impressed. Lettuce starts are out there right now. I did not trust anything else because I am still figuring it out. I can see it being a huge boon at the beginning and the end of the season.

The greenhouse is going great. If you don't have one of these you really need to think about it. I have been out there for a month. The tomatoes, cukes, melons, peppers and all the starts are just as pleased as can be.

If you broadcast seeds you will probably need to replant them into their own pots right about now. I noticed that the Shirley poppies are quite thick in their container and definitely in need of individual pots.

I am also giving thought to the cole crops that I have seeded two per cell. I am starting to wonder why I do that. The theory is that you will be sure to get at least one to germinate. But I seem to always have two per cell. Anyway, there they all are and instead of snipping off the extra seedling I am going to divide them and plant them into individual pots, giving them an extra start. I am hoping that they will be nice sized plants by the time they hit the bed where they well spend the season. Hopefully, we will have earlier vegs that way. We'll see. I know that the broccoli will produce until it freezes so the more I can harvest and put into my own freezer the happier I shall be.

When you are faced with making the choice between seedlings in a cell, just pick the strongest looking one and cut, do not pull the one you don't want. They will be welcome in the compost pile. I don't understand people who cannot toss a plant. That's what compost piles are for.

Even though you have now uncovered your plants I need to warn you about pulling off the old stems. If you start pulling on a bleeding heart, for instance, you will probably pull the new growth out with it. Now that would be counterproductive. So give this some thought. I know you are anxious to get gardening outside but enough is enough right now. Hold your enthusiasm in check.

That said, I have my peas soaking. Why not? Each and every year I read that peas and spinach can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked. The peas are now laying in a saucer on the counter between layers of wet paper towels. If you let them soak too long they will start to ferment and you need to start over. Avoid this, it is a waste of time. Once the little tail pokes out of the seed you can pop it into the soil. I like to use a nitrogen fixer. This is a black powder that you roll the wet seeds in before you plant. I am also going to seed in lettuce. The sooner we can start eating real food the better.

Note: The Homer Garden Club will meet Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 at the Homer City Hall council chambers. Chuck Decker, an Anchorage resident, will do a presentation on hardy roses.