Even though it’s only early February here in Boise, the garden is already whispering that spring is on its way. It’s one of my favorite times of year for gardening with dogs, especially with Blue Belle by my side. We’ve seen the first flock of robins, and the resident birds are already flittering between the feeder and the safety of the trees. The air has that subtle shift — the one that makes you pause on the porch a moment longer, just to breathe it in. The crocuses are almost ready to burst into their purple mass of color, and soon the bumble bees will be buzzing in for their annual photo shoot.

Alaska Gardening Memories

Growing up in Alaska, we learned early to appreciate the fertile soil of our valley, and those lessons stayed with us. My brother, Ron, grew beans and even popcorn — yes, real popcorn — while my sisters Susie, Sharon, and I spent time in the garden with our mom, learning the names of flowers and discovering which ones could survive the cool summers. Mom would start her gladiolus bulbs indoors in milk cartons cut in half, lining them up on the windowsill like little promises of color.

Recently, Sharon reminded me of the spectacular wildflowers along the route to Anchorage — the bright Fireweed, the blue and purple Flags (wild iris), and the delicate shooting stars scattered across the fields. How could I forget? The moose, in their slow and steady way, always seemed to know just when the Fireweed was at its best. They would happily munch their way through the blooms. Fireweed was even considered a predictor of winter: once the flowers reached the top of the stalk and began forming seedpods, it meant snow wasn’t far behind. As the old saying goes, “When the fireweed goes to cotton, summer is soon forgotten.”

Alaska’s Wildflowers and Family Traditions

Our childhood memories stretch far beyond the flowers. We foraged wild raspberries and currants in the woods, and to this day I can still taste Mom’s wild currant jelly. She worked at the Alaska Experiment Station, where one of their projects involved fiddleheads. She would bring them home for dinner, and Ron remembers driving a van to Talkeetna to pick up fiddleheads that were later processed at the old creamery — the same place our dad once worked.

With all those beautiful blooms and flavors of our Alaska childhood, it’s still the tiny Forget‑Me‑Not — Alaska’s state flower — that has stayed closest to my heart. I’ve always loved their pretty blue petals, maybe because blue has always been my favorite color. I’ve planted Forget‑Me‑Nots here in my Boise garden, and one year, while visiting Sharon on her island in Washington State, I picked up some at a local garden center to give her as a gift. I brought a few home for myself too, tucked in beside the rocks I gathered from her island beach. Now, whenever I see those little blue flowers in spring and summer, I think of my Alaska home and my family. As a result, those memories still shape the way I approach gardening with dogs today.

Back to Boise and Blue Belle: Gardening With Dogs

Those memories always come rushing back this time of year. The first hints of spring are beginning to stir here in Boise. Blue Belle and I step outside for our short morning visits, and while she sniffs the air and checks her favorite spots, I find myself noticing the same small signs of the season that once marked the start of spring in Alaska — a shift in the light, a bud swelling on a branch, a promise of color just beneath the soil. It’s a different landscape now, but the feeling is the same: spring is coming, and the garden is waking up.

Early Spring Mornings in the Boise Garden

Blue Belle and I have been taking these little outings each day. They’re just enough for her to stretch her legs and for me to check on my gardens. She sniffs the ground with great seriousness, deciphering which neighborhood dogs have stopped by, while I notice the tiny signs of the season waking up: a spring bulb beginning to sprout, a weed sneaking into the flower bed, a piece of crabgrass trying to claim territory, a rock nudged out of place by some curious critter. These small routines have become part of our rhythm of gardening with dogs, a quiet partnership that makes each morning feel meaningful.

Last summer, we built a little path just for Blue Belle, a way for her to move comfortably through the garden without stepping on tender plants. Blue Belle loved it immediately. In fact, it became one of her favorite spots in the yard. Every morning she would watch me closely, waiting for the moment I put on my gardening clothes and sunhat. That was her signal — time to head outside. She would settle herself in the yard, perfectly content, keeping an eye on me as I worked. Blue Belle never wandered, never caused trouble. She was simply there, my quiet companion, making sure I was safe while I tended to the flowers.

Every spring, Susie and I make a point to visit our favorite local garden center, Edwards Greenhouse. We always end up reminiscing about those early gardening days. I’ve always admired the way Susie can coax beauty out of anything she plants — her flower beds and vegetable gardens are proof of her green thumb. This visit has become one of our little traditions and part of how I welcome the new season.

Gardening With Dogs in Early Spring

Dogs have always been part of my gardening life. Through the years, each one has enjoyed being out in the yard — watching the neighborhood, supervising the squirrels, soaking up the sunshine. They seem to understand the rhythm of the garden and the peace of it. Being outside together brings its own kind of joy. It’s one of the reasons I love gardening with dogs so much; they bring a calm presence that makes the garden feel even more alive.

Spring Signs in the Boise Garden

And now, as the first signs of spring begin to stir, I’m already looking forward to the months ahead. The butterflies will return to the crabapple blossoms. The bees will hover over the crocuses, and the garden will fill with color again. I’ve gathered a few of my favorite flower and pollinator photos I’ve captured below — little reminders of what’s coming.

Most mornings start quietly here. After taking care of Blue Belle’s needs, we often slip back into bed with a cup of tea and watch our favorite YouTube gardening channel, Garden Answer. Laura and Aaron don’t have a dog, but they do have a few cats, and Blue Belle seems perfectly content with their chosen fur family. Their videos always get me in the right mindset for the season ahead — cleaning out the beds, sharpening my pruners, checking my supplies, and making a mental note that I probably need to order more garden gloves. Watching Garden Answer is like easing into spring one gentle idea at a time. It helps me plan our days outside, especially when I’m gardening with dogs.

Spring is coming. The garden knows it. Blue Belle knows it. And I can feel it too.

For those who want to follow more of Blue Belle’s journey — her resilience, her sweetness, and the ways she’s changed our lives — here are a few of her stories.

More Stories About Blue Belle

• A Dog’s Perspective: Living With Cancer — Blue Belle’s cancer survival story
• When You’ve Loved Me a Long Time — a senior dog’s view on living with cancer
• The Rescue Dog That Rescued Us — how Blue Belle came into our lives
• How We Handled It When Our Rescue Dog Got Cancer
• How We Found the Rescue Dog That Rescued Us

As spring approaches, I always take a moment to look over my tools, refresh a few supplies, and make sure Blue Belle and I are ready for the season ahead. Below is a small collection of garden helpers and dog comforts that have become part of our everyday rhythm — simple things that make our time outside a little easier and a little sweeter. These are the items that support our days of gardening with dogs, especially as Blue Belle moves more slowly through the season.

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A Few Garden Favorites for Spring

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly use and love in my own garden and with Blue Belle.

COOLJOB 6‑Pair Gardening Gloves
A comfortable, grippy set of gloves that keeps my hands protected through every season. I like having extras on hand for muddy days or quick tasks.

Plastic T‑Type Plant Tags
Simple, sturdy labels that make it easy to keep track of new plantings and seedlings.

Outdoor Garden Markers
Weather‑resistant markers that hold up beautifully through sun, rain, and watering.

Sunflower & Butterfly Bird Bath A cheerful little accent for the garden — and a welcome stop for the birds.

Espoma Organic Bio‑Tone Starter Fertilizer
My go‑to for planting and transplanting. It gives roots a gentle, organic boost.

Hori Hori Garden Knife
A must‑have tool. Great for digging, dividing, weeding, and just about everything else.

Felco F2 Pruning Shears
A classic, durable pair of pruners that make clean cuts and last for years.

Felco F910 Leather Holster
Keeps my pruners right at my side — no more setting them down and forgetting where they went.

A Few Dog Favorites for Spring: Gardening With Dogs

Blue Belle has always been my little garden companion. Over the years, we’ve found a few things that help. Additionally, they make her time outside — and her time resting afterward — a little easier and more comfortable.

Floating Dog Frisbee
A soft‑sided frisbee Blue Belle loved in her younger days. It’s gentle on the mouth and perfect for easy tosses.

JOYELF XL Memory Foam Dog Bed
Supportive and cozy, it gives her a comfortable place to rest. She loves using it after spending time in the garden with me.

Charlee Bear Crunch Grain‑Free Treats
Light, crunchy, and one of Blue Belle’s all‑time favorite treats.

Two New Items Helping Our Senior Girl

LICKIMAT Yoggie Pot
A calming enrichment tool that keeps her engaged. It’s especially helpful on days when she needs a little extra comfort.

LOOBANI Portable Dog Sling for Back Legs
A helpful support sling we’ll be using with her harness. It gives Blue Belle extra assistance when getting into the car.