Welcome Back to Cat Paradise: The Jungle Awakens

Welcome back to the garden, everyone! If you caught the first post in this series, Gardening With The Cats: Spring Fever in Cat Paradise, you know we were just catching the very first hints of spring. Today, the story is entirely different. The seeds haven’t just sprouted—they have absolutely thrived, and the garden is officially waking up with a spectacular explosion of color.

Before we step onto the path, though, we have a bit of local neighborhood drama to report. Remember the magpies nesting up in the chokecherry tree? Well, the update is that they haven’t bothered me or the cats one bit, but they have officially started harassing our resident squirrels! I have a strong suspicion they are deeply jealous that I serve shelled peanuts to the squirrels on the front porch every morning. The cats are absolutely living for it, lined up early every single day to watch the morning squirrel-versus-magpie soap opera unfold.

From Catio to Nursery: Chaos and Cooperation

Back inside the catio, things are a little more peaceful, though I have to admit it has been absolute chaos lately! I’ve been busy transforming the catio into a full-blown temporary plant nursery. The clear tarps are still down, keeping the space wonderfully enclosed, warm, and safe from chilly spring breezes. I’ve been juggling flats of tiny seeds, watching them thrive, and carefully transplanting them into intermediate containers—the crucial next step to get them strong and sturdy before they head completely outside for the summer. Through all the flying soil and shifting flats, the cats have been incredibly good citizens about sharing their space with me. It’s become a perfect, cozy sanctuary for all of us.

Winding Paths and Tall Blooms: Navigating the Jungle

Picking up right where I left off last year, the ultimate vision for Cat Paradise is truly succeeding. I had laid down thick stones for a dedicated walkway so the herd can safely meander around and through the greenery without stepping on the plants. Now, the flowers have grown incredibly tall and are in full, glorious bloom all around the path. The cats are having the time of their lives exploring the playground structure and navigating their new lush “jungle.”

To top it all off, the garden oasis expanded this week: I officially moved two goldfish from their indoor tank out to the pond for the season! Between the tall blooms, the winding stone path, and flashing gold fish to spy on, the herd has officially declared the summer preview a massive success.

Coming up Next…

The garden is transforming every single day, and this is just the beginning. Be sure to check back soon to see what happens next—before we know it, summer will officially be here, the tarps will roll up, and Cat Paradise will be in its full, sun-drenched glory!