I heard it, then what followed was the rain. We are in the first part of March and I feel it was a spring thunderstorm as I was hearing thunder. Before I woke for the day, I just knew I would be able to look out my kitchen window and see green grass and robins.

Spring isn’t quite here yet, but as I stepped outside that morning, I could smell the damp earth calling to me.

Despite the thunder and rain, it’s early enough in March that there are still memories looming in my mind of a ground hog predicting a longer winter. Who believes a ground hog?

I’ve lived in Nebraska long enough to know that a “you know what” can still swoop in and blanket my spring dreams.

Near my kitchen window, little pots of plants stand on the counter capturing as much sunshine as possible. One is a shamrock plant (oxalis) and another is a yellow-flowered pansy. The pansy could be moved outdoors but its a bit wet in my garden, so I wait. The shamrock has been named Lucky.

As we wait for warmer days, we can still have green in the house. You know I’ve been talking to Fuzzy, a pussy willow I started. I’ve now added a snake plant. That name is so much better than mother in-law’s tongue. My mother-in-law thought that was a funny name, but she had a good sense of humor.

I have named my snake plant Slither.

Conversations with other gardeners and checking on the internet, I’ve noticed the trend toward house plants. Apparently the pandemic has created the house plant interest since people have been more confined to their homes.

That makes sense. Although, I can’t imagine my house plants replacing my friends. It just wouldn’t be the same with a glass of wine in front of each plant. Nor do they laugh loudly as stories are shared.

The house plants fill our quiet moments with their bright green colors and interesting shapes. Of course, they add to our health by cleaning the oxygen we breath and, in the case of the snake plant, are said to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Just like a good friend, snake plants don’t require constant attention. I’m beginning to think the snake plant needs to be renamed the friendship plant. They seem to be happy wherever you place them.

Spring will come and the birds will gather at the bird feeders above blooming outdoor plants. Inside, the house plants will do their cleaning of air and outside, I will gather with friends on the patio and share stories and laugh. I can hardly wait.

Until then Fuzzy, Lucky, Slither and I will lay out our garden seed packets and dream as we stand and look out my kitchen window as spring inches into our lives.