Full Bloom Blog

Every year, the end of February and just about all of March leaves most Michiganders (and I’m sure other northern states as well) feeling like winter will never end and spring is a far-off dream. It adds insult to injury when I see friends in southern states posting photos of flowers blooming, riding bikes in the sunshine, enjoying a meal on the patio, or other warm weather blessings sometimes more than six weeks before we are able to enjoy such things. These things combined with the fact that I am married to a man that absolutely abhors winter and is downright sullen this time of year have led me to look for ways to start spring early or in the very least, give us a little reprieve from winter. Here are some ideas that have worked for my family in staving off the winter blues.

1. Buy some fresh flowers

Put them in a vase in a high traffic area so that you can enjoy their fragrance and beauty as much as possible. And may I make a suggestion? If you think a bouquet of flowers are a waste of money- check out hyacinths! The fragrance of this spring bulb is AMAZING and the bonus is that you can plant it in the ground outside once the threat of frost has passed. Or you can simply enjoy the fact that the plant will last longer than cut flowers. Regardless of what you choose, some fresh greens and blooms will be sure to bring a little bit of spring into your home no matter the temperature outside!

2. Go to a Greenhouse, Conservatory, or Garden Center

Living in southeast Michigan, I have two go-to favorites to bring me a sense of spring: 1. The Mattaei Botanical Gardens and Conservatory on the campus of University of Michigan and 2. Bordine’s Nursery. There are several other garden centers and green houses near me so I love to make a point to tour them all, but those two mentioned are quite large and I could easily fill an afternoon wandering through each one.

The best thing about a greenhouse and/or conservatory this time of year is not only the beautiful plants and greenery but the warmth. The temperature inside these places have to support all kinds of plants including tropical ones meaning near tropical temperatures. I may not be able to get my husband into a greenhouse any other time of the year, but during the winter- he’s ready to camp out for the day.

3. Start some seeds

Hear me out on this one. Even if you are not a gardener or have no intentions of starting a garden, there is something intensely satisfying about starting a plant from seed and watching it grow. A packet of seeds is crazy cheap so find something that interests you and grab a pot to grow your plant baby in long term or start in trays with the intention of later transferring your seedlings. (I have the most success with egg cartons). Consider starting some herbs and do a container garden that would be happy on both your kitchen table or your patio.

4. Make some fresh meals

This is the time of year I see my local grocery store start to change and bring in more and more fresh produce (obviously shipped in from warmer climates). Whether you add some grilled veggies to your menu, make a colorful fruit salad, or blend a fresh smoothie, it’s a great way to experience some spring with another one of your senses! If you need some inspiration, check out my post with summer beverages or grilled veggie pizza linked below.

Summer Veggies Grilled Pizza Six Drinks to Sip this Summer

5. Take a trip

This one obviously requires a little more of a commitment from a time and resources perspective but if you’re able to do so, I guarantee it will be worth it! Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for you and your mood- but especially when it involves some green landscapes or ocean waves. You could just travel a few hours south for a day and soak up some extra rays of sun and vitamin D, make a big trip to a tropical location, or anything in between it will be sure to alleviate some of the monotony that is winter in the mid-west.

I hope these ideas help you see the light at the end of the winter tunnel and maybe start some new March traditions. Do you have something you do that helps you break up a long winter? Share below and what your plans are for this year!