Today, March 19, 2023, I just returned from a walk. It’s been in the high 30’s F with winds gusting to a little over 10 mph. The sun makes it look warm, but you better be bundled up if you head outside.
While walking, I noticed several Daffodils groupings and anticipated they would be in bloom in another week or two. The Daffodils closest to bloom grew in front of or along stone walls.
When a little over halfway through my walk, what did I see? A daffodil flower smiling at me on a blustery New England day.
The daffodil asked me if I would share its smile with you!
It’s been an early spring. Weatherwise, we’re at least two weeks ahead of where we usually are this time of year.
I have posted a picture of this group of daffodil flowers previously after a spring freeze. However, I won’t get the opportunity this year. I’m more than ok with that.
Notice the deep edges on the beds, I edged the bed a couple of days ago. The lawn is greener than usual because of the warm weather.
This picture of daffodil flowers was taken on April 12, 2021.
Compare how unfrozen these daffodil flowers are to the recommended post below.
Last week I noticed a sure sign Spring is coming; Daffodils were poking through the snow where I had shoveled access for the oil delivery.
I admit, for me, January is one of the toughest months of the year. As a plant lover, I thrive on sunshine, and there is very little sunshine in January.
Luckily, by the time February rolls around the signs of spring returning start to show.
Signs of spring I’ve noticed over the years include:
Daffodils poking through the snow.
The sun shining later and brighter than in January.
Falling snow is fluffier yet more sticky.
The temperature rises to the mid 40’s more often.
Mud, and lots of it, where the snow has melted.
Birds singing more often, and a happier toon.
I start singing more often, and a happier toon.
These poor Daffodils were literally growing under a foot of snow, as you can see below.
Yesterday we had snow, then rain, then ice and then snow again. When I woke this morning it was a frigid 26 degrees.
You’d think I’d be used to spring snow. I’ve lived in southern New England all my life where the weather is anything but predictable.
I’m not.
Every time Jack Frost lays waste to the landscape I’m surprised. Yesterday Jack was having an exceedingly bad day.
While the pictures below show plants at their worst I assure you they’ll be fine. In a few day they’ll look as good as when it was in the sixties last week.
Hellebore (Helleborus sp.) thrives in weather like this. In a few days you won’t know the plant was under half an inch of ice and snow.
Can you can see the layer of ice on this Japanese Cornel Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)?
This pansy is in for a rough couple weeks. Most of the foliage will turn brown and die. Growth deep inside the plant will survive. It’s going to take time. I should have brought the plant inside BEFORE the cold weather arrived.
These poor Daffodils (Narcissus sp.) were laid out on the lawn. I can’t say the flowers will look as good as they did before the snow. However, they will right themselves and shine again in a few days.
Mr. Science Guy how does water run and freeze at the same time?
The first thing I did this morning was get wood to build a fire. The twine holding the tarp is surrounded by thick ice.
This morning as I waited for the school bus I noticed my daffodils emerging. It’s been a mild fall and they’re just poking through the soil.
New growth on Sedum called buttons.
Plants set bud in the fall so they’re ready to go when the warm weather arrives.
The old foliage on my Iris died back leaving miniature Iris plants. The new growth won’t look this good in the spring after repeated freeze thaw cycles.
Flower buds on my Lenten Rose (Helleboris sp.) are ready to go. Lenten Rose blooms in April often while snow is still on the ground.
Don’t think your plants are the only thing growing in the garden. There’s a class of weeds called winter annuals that germinate in the fall. Now is a great time to pull them.
Chickweed is one of the most ubiquitous winter annuals. Chickweed is remarkably easy to control if you get it while young.
If the weather stays mild take advantage and do some weeding. It’ll make a huge difference in the spring.
This morning I woke to an inch of sleet and snow on the ground. The thermometer read 27 degrees and the wind was whipping. Naturally, the first thing I did was grab my camera and run outside.
Snow brings out the best in plants. It adds interest, creates contrast, and reminds every one of the winter holidays. Below are some photos I took laying prone on an old comforter. Anything for my art!
Lenten Rose will shrug off the snow and keep blooming. It enjoys the snow.
The thick fleshy foliage of Sedum protects it from the snow.
