Winter had begun to melt and puddle in Spring’s benevolent warmth.  It’s that awkward and messy, yet exciting time in our yards and gardens when life begins to sprout amid the mucky, soggy spoils of a new season.  Possibility abounds!  Muddy paws proliferate!  But hope springs eternal, right?  Right!  …

  Brittle like parchment, the arctic air sliced through the landscape with little resistance as it slashed and gnawed at flesh like a hungry, rabid beast.  It was fit for no creature, great nor small.  Experts call it a polar vortex.  We call it Winter.     So as we skirt into 2018, bright, shiny,…