This graceful bi-coloured Lily-flowered tulip is variety “Synaeda King”.

If you are feeling as February-bedraggled as I am, these spring indicators may perk you up a bit: they tell us it won’t be much longer before we re-enter the world of Sweater Weather. 14C anyone? Even that sounds like luxury!

1. We are MORE than half way through February. It’s given us the worst this year, wind-chills and deep freezes followed by thaws, creating a icy, rippled-snow moonscape for us to pick our way through. All in all, a precarious mess. (Consider investing in a pair of traction enhancers like YakTrax for safety if you do a lot of walking about.) A good part of the worst is behind us, never to be repeated this year. Unless March is just as bad. Forget I said that!

2. Seedy Saturdays have started happening! These events are gatherings of seed suppliers, growers and purveyors of cool gardeny stuff and excellent information. Rubbing elbows with fellow cabin-fevered gardeners and talking about growing is a welcome treat. I picked up a simple seed-sprouter last year, made from a canning jar.  Toronto Tasting Notes writes:

Seedy Saturday is a national series of events that were originally dreamed up by people working with Seeds of Diversity, the organization that protects heritage seeds to conserve plant diversity. … There’ll be kids’ activities, talks and food, and a great wealth of people who can give you advice on topics ranging from heirloom tomatoes to windowsill herb growing.

This Saturday there is one in Kitchener, if you feel like a drive out of town: Kitchener Public Library, Country Hills Branch. Saturday February 19, 2011  10–3:30. By the way, sometimes Seedy Saturdays take place on a Sunday. Go figure.

Next one in Toronto is Saturday, Feb. 26th in Mississauga. Upcoming events are in Scarborough, Peterborough, Hamilton, Guelph, and other southern Ontario locations. See list here.

3. Canada Blooms is coming up in March. The annual Toronto gardening extravaganza—6 acres of indoor gardens—gets you in the springy mood. I go every year, if only to inhale the scent of growing things, especially hyacinths. March 15–20, 2011 at the Direct Energy Centre Hint: Go early or at supper time to avoid the biggest crowds.