The Fennel is coming back from its dormancy too.  All winter is rests underground, with no leaves to see.

 

And then when it comes back, it is soft and fluffy, and the leaves are full of that delicious fennel flavor.  Eventually the stems will grow to about 5 feet, and then it will bloom and set seeds.  They are mighty tasty too.

 

I brought this fennel from Virginia Beach nearly twenty years ago.  It has been growing in our garden ever since.  Why would I haul this plant all the way from Virginia, you ask?  Because the Black Swallowtail butterflies need it to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars.  We love creating our gardens to attract pollinators, especially butterflies.  

 

 

HAPPY GARDENING!!!