O Such a commotion under the ground,
When March called, “Ho there! ho!”
Such spreading of rootlets far and wide,
Such whispering to and fro!
“Are you ready?” the Snowdrop asked,
“Tis time to start, you know.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Flower Chorus”

As always, it is with faith, optimism, and hope that we plant the first seeds of the season. The French marigolds have emerged, beating their companion alliums only barely. It’s still a complete mystery to us how their feathery seeds transform themselves into these tender seedlings.