But assuming that the earth has not fundamentally changed its course, we should be standing at the beginning of something wonderful in the Northern Hemisphere. And that is something to be grateful for in the midst of other worries.

Remember that the outside world can have a transformative effect on our mood. Whether you have a tiny patio or a large back garden, I urge you to take your paperwork outside - take a drink outside - take your spouse outside --- and enjoy it. Even in a tiny apartment or townhome you can sit near the window and observe the season unfolding below.

With increased sunlight, warmth and day length, April is traditionally the month when non-gardeners start thinking about gardening. The majority stop thinking about it somewhere in July, but a there are always a few that discover a pastime that will stay with them the rest of their lives.

This year, with the world extremely concerned about war, inflation, and the economy in general, there is even more interest in growing food and being outdoors; in the past four years, tens of millions of new gardeners have been welcomed into the green fold.

There's a ton of advice out there for them -- and for us -- from social media influencers to youtube sensations, but such diversions are often so diverting, we end up doing more scrolling and watching than actually gardening.

If you’re new and feeling overwhelmed by all the advice, not to mention device-addicted, and don’t know where to start, my top two tips are:

1) Grow vegetables and herbs that you enjoy; and,

2) Do yourself a very big favor and start small. You will get the most from a garden that doesn't exhaust you.

However, if you’ve moved on from establishing a veg plot and are feeling comfortable with your workload and ready to expand – how about giving your garden some early spring elegance and trying one of our glorious native ephemeral plants, the Virginia bluebell (Mertensia virginica)?

April is a great time to plant them, particularly right after seeing them in the woods or on a riverside walk (or on Instagram), when your jealousy can fuel your desire to get outside and plant in the cold April winds.

Like epimedium, this is a plant which is unlikely to ever be featured in the Big Box stores. When you see it in your independent garden center, grab it, and add a little bit of ephemeral beauty to your woodland or shade garden for next spring.

You are much more likely to find it from reputable online sources that specialize in native plants however. If planting from an online source, make sure that you get them into the soil as quickly as possible, as they do not take kindly to drying out.

The common name "Bluebell" refers to many species all over the world (which is why botanical names are so useful); but English, Spanish or Texas bluebells have nothing on these silky sophisticates. Our bluebell pushes up through woodland leaf litter in mid-to-late March in my garden, blooming in late March to early April (depending on the weather), and slowly forms large clumps that will in turn, seed into the soil nearby.

The nodding, light blue clusters of flowers held above the ovate leaves begin by budding pink, and have an iridescence about them which is captivating, Sometimes you'll come across a rogue all-pink "blue"bell. The blooms are not harmed by freezes, but if Mother Nature turns the heat up high, you're likely to fry those ephemeral blooms.

After blooming, Mertensia foliage extends a little taller, and then slowly dies back to the woodland floor, storing that energy into a tuber.

Virginia bluebells appreciate a soft, fertile soil in deciduous woodlands or winter sunny garden beds with average moisture. Use lots of leaf compost when planting if your soil is heavy. The tubers can be planted about 2 inches below the soil in late winter or early spring (or any time you find them at a garden center!)

They are a seasonal treat, and to be cherished. But then, so is so much of what we are experiencing at this glorious time of year. Enjoy!