Potager Field Notes: April

April brings the true awakening of the earth. As spring rains wash away the last traces of winter snow, the garden soil warms and green shoots push through the damp earth. The studio is filled with light, fresh air, and the joyful energy of a new season taking flight.

IN THE POTAGER 
April is a whirlwind of garden preparation. We gently pull back winter mulches from the perennial herb beds to let the April sun reach the soil. In the greenhouse and under grow lights, trays of sweet peas, chamomile, calendula, and zinnia are thriving, while outdoors we begin preparing soil beds for early spring plantings as soon as the ground can be worked.

IN THE STUDIO 
Spring pouring is in full swing. The studio smells crisp and uplifting with fresh notes of green shoots, juicy pear, garden basil, and sun-ripened citrus. Windows are propped open on breezy days as we wash jars, wick candles, and hand-pour fresh batches of our spring collections to prepare for upcoming local spring markets.

CRAFTSMANSHIP 
Spring craft is defined by freshness and fine details. From hand-affixing artwork labels to carefully blending fragrance oils with natural soy wax, every stage of our pouring process is executed with meticulous care. Working in harmony with the changing season ensures each product captures the essence of spring.

APRIL STARGAZING 
The Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks in late April, shooting bright trails across the night sky. Look toward the constellation Lyra in the eastern sky after midnight to catch these spring shooting stars marking the turn of the celestial wheel. On April 1 keep an eye out for the full Pink Moon. 

BOTANICAL FOLKLORE 
Spring rain and early greens have long been celebrated in botanical traditions. Ancient herbalists gathered wild spring greens like dandelion, nettle, and chickweed as revitalizing tonics after long winters, honoring their resilience as the very first gifts of the thawing earth.