March
Things to Notice: New Life
The days are noticeably longer now, and the first bulbs are just starting to appear. I learned from Gardener’s Question Time (my favourite podcast) that a waxy coating protects flowers emerging from bulbs, so that even if they begin to appear in midwinter, they won’t be destroyed by cold blasts and snow. Snowdrops are the first bulbs to open here, and it is a highly anticipated event for me at the end of every winter. There may still be snow and ice and wintry weather, but it won’t last for long, and spring will definitely be here soon. I love the edges of seasons, when evidence of the previous season is still present, but the change is just beginning to take place.
As we shift into March here in Nova Scotia, there are also lovely changes in the scents of the air outside as the weather warms. I’m not sure how much of that can be accounted for by changes in the ocean, but I think it’s a contributing factor for sure. Variations in ocean and beach scents carried on the breeze are one of those things that I find absolute, pure delight in several times a year, and I’m expecting a significant change in March from the cold, scentless winter air to all of the muddy, warmer scents of Spring.
The world may still look barren and wintry in many ways, but so much new life and growth is coming- it’s just hidden from view. So much is taking place that we can’t see as sap is coursing through trees, the ground is thawing and plants begin to awaken - feel free to apply that metaphor to whatever you’d like.
Things to Make
Frittata: Our hens are laying more eggs now that the days are longer, and a standby meal that we can almost always whip up is a frittata. You can serve it with salad or soup, eat it hot, warm, or even cold, and use whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s simple, quick, and delicious. The chives in the garden are just barely starting to emerge, and there will definitely be handfuls ready to add in later this month. This is one of my favourite flavour combinations.
Herbed Frittata
10 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 generous handful kale, torn
1/4 cup grated fresh parmesan
1/4 cup milk or cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Heat a 12 inch cast iron pan to medium on the stovetop. Add butter or oil to grease.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs thoroughly. Add salt and whisk until incorporated. Add remaining ingredients, and gently stir until egg covers all of the vegetables. Pour into the heated pan and cook on the stovetop without stirring for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is just set. Remove from stovetop and place pan in preheated oven.
Bake for 16-20 minutes until frittata is slightly puffed and set in the centre.
Slice and serve warm; also makes wonderful leftovers, or a great lunch with a salad on the side.
Notes: You can skip the stovetop and just bake the frittata for a longer time (30-35 minutes) in a non-preheated pie plate or casserole dish. Another favourite combination is 1/2 cup chopped ham, 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese, and chives. Spinach, feta, and tomatoes is also delicious. And if you have half an onion to use up, sauteeing it in butter makes an excellent start to any combination. To make a pretty garnish, lay some intact chive spears across the top of the frittata before baking. I buy parmesan in large blocks, which I grate and then store in the freezer for easy use.
Something for outside: I feel like the focus in March tends to shift from inside to outside, and it’s a great chance to take a look around and see if there is something you would like to make to liven up your outdoor space. Maybe it’s a planter for a bit later in the season, a bench, a birdbath or feeder? Or maybe a fire pit? Take a look on Pinterest and I’ll bet that you’ll find something within your time, skill, and budget constraints that you’ll be able to enjoy through to winter.
Toilet cleaner: I found this recipe from Simply Living Well on Instagram a few weeks ago, and it’s great! Not everyone has citric acid on hand, but it’s pretty easy to find online. Combine 3 cups baking soda, 5 drops lavender essential oil, and 5 drops lemon essential oil in a bowl. Add 1 cup citric acid, and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container. To use, scoop 2 tbsp into toilet bowl, wait for fizzing to stop, then scrub. I have a hard time finding less harsh toilet cleaners that really work and that I can stand the scent of - this works a treat!
Things to Do
Garden plans: Gardening is one of the greatest joys in my life. It sounds dramatic, but it is true! There is nothing quite like it. In March, I like to take stock of my seeds, decide what plants I want to add and decide what I’d like to focus on this gardening year. The bindweed was such a problem last year in some areas that I think there might be some overhauling in our garden this time around.
Go for a walk somewhere new: I don’t know what it is about Spring, but it feels like there are so many possibilities. Going for a walk in a new place makes us more alert and aware of our surroundings, and it’s just a nice change from the ordinary. There is a trail in Wedgeport that I’m planning to visit sometime this month - I’ve technically been there before, but it has been many years.
Sit outside in the sun: I can almost guarantee that there will be at least one (and hopefully more) days when it’s really warm in the sun. Make a point to sit outside with a book and a cup of tea and uncover as much skin as is comfortably possible, to start producing that vitamin D.
I hope that this March is kind to you!
If you love honeybees as much as I do, here’s another photo background option for you that I took last March of one of our bees. Look at all of the pollen, dusted all over her! Gorgeous.