Early spring is ugly here in New England. My garden looks forlorn, lonely, bedraggled.

After a strange, non-winter, what little snow we had has melted, leaving Mud Season in it's place.

But, look closer and you see it: the 1st rhubarb stalks emerging from the cold, wet ground.

Amidst the mud & debris, it's easy to miss the small red & green of signs of Spring returning.

Rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that we treat like a fruit. It’s the exact opposite of tomato, an annual fruit we treat like a vegetable.

Emerging rhubarb signals the start of Spring in New Hampshire.

The beauty of perennials is that they return on their own, without much work on your part.

Rhubarb's giant green leaves burst forth from reddish buds.

Our old-growth rhubarb patch returns early each Spring with great zest & vigor.

Rhubarb leaves burst forth with an infectious joy for living.

Another benefit of looking closely?

What I thought were weeds in my raised garden beds turned out to be volunteer pansies.

These cheerful annual pansies self-seeded & volunteered to brighten up my muddy garden, all on their own.

Despite the dreary mud, it’s hard not to feel hopeful & glad.

Happy, happy Spring, everyone!