I awoke to a surprise this morning. Just when most of the snow had melted, we had a few more inches. Ironically, my seeds arrived the day before. I always end up buying more stuff locally as I plan the garden, but I do order a few, peas and beans mostly.

I grow pole beans, because my garden is too small for bush varieties. New for me this year are a yellow type, pictured above, and an interesting purple bean.

These purple-podded beans are very different-looking, but I like to try something new every year. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

I grow scarlet runner beans every year, but this variety is new to me. It promises to produce a mass of hummingbird-attracting red flowers, AND if picked early, the pods are said to be delicious eating. Plants that do double duty are always at the top of my list.

I also saved beans from last year. Cherokee Trail of Tears is one of my favorites.

Here in RI, they say we should be planting our snap peas around St. Patrick’s Day. Not this year, that’s for sure.