Spring has arrived here in Richmond, and we’re thrilled. Warmer days, green trees, and the first blooms are finally showing up around our new house, so we thought we’d share a few photos and notes about what’s happening in the yard as the season unfolds.
We’re especially excited to see what the landscaping does this year since much of it was a surprise when we moved in. Little hydrangea buds are already appearing, giving us a hint of fuller summer color to come. It’s fun to watch these early signs of life and imagine the garden filling out over the next few months.
Spring also feels different at the new place because every corner of the property offers a new surprise. Daffodils are popping up across the yard, which immediately brightens the whole scene. The variety of plantings we inherited means every week reveals something new—bulbs, shrubs, and perennials waking up after winter.
The back of our house has a different look from the original brick ranch facade in the front. An addition built a few years later gives the rear a contrasting vibe. We hope to unify the exterior eventually, though we don’t have a specific plan yet—sometimes design ideas come slowly, one dream or project at a time. (Case in point: I once dreamed about tiling our old shower with white subway tile long before actually doing it.)
With milder temperatures, our dog Burger can’t wait to get outside and start exploring the new backyard. He spends a lot of time gazing out the living room window, clearly eager for the months ahead that will be full of backyard patrols and bug hunting. The bushes visible from the window are begging for a trim, which is making Sherry plan a pruning session as soon as we can.
Temperatures here have been fluctuating between the mid-50s and high-60s, with a few days even reaching the 70s. That weather has already pushed yard work higher on our to-do list. We’ve started some cleanup and planting, and we’ll share a more complete tour of the exterior soon—so consider this an early preview and a promise of a fuller exterior tour in the near future.
One spring surprise that’s a bit of a concern is a tree at the front of the house planted very close to the foundation. It grows up along the porch and arches over the walkway, creating a charming entry—but also a risky situation for the foundation and walkway roots.
When covered in white blooms the tree is absolutely lovely, and part of us resists removing it. On the other hand, its proximity to the house suggests we may need to address it before it causes damage. We’re not sure yet whether it can be safely preserved, and we’d welcome any identification help if anyone recognizes the species from these photos.
Despite the little tree dilemma, we’re ready to embrace spring to the fullest. There’s so much to look forward to—gardening, yard improvements, and watching the kids and pets enjoy the outdoor space. Clara’s first birthday is coming up, which makes this spring feel even more special.
How about you—are spring blooms showing up in your neighborhood? Have temperatures warmed where you are, or is someone still shoveling snow? We’d love to hear what’s popping up in your yard this season.