It Could Have Been a Lot Worse

WINTER

We dodged a bullet here in the Baltimore area.  Actually most of the East Coast dodged the same bullet.  I say it every time but I have to say it again, I can't believe how wrong the weather forecasters can be.  It seems that the more technology they have, the more they screw it up.  I know New England is getting hit really hard but New York?  That is amazing....the largest city in the country shuts down hours before the snow starts falling, and very little snow falls.  Next time no one will pay attention.

I know most people hate winter.  I can't say I love it but it does have it's good points, here in the garden.  It gives me time to contemplate all the changes I am going to make this spring.  At least I plan to make.  The winter gives me lots of time to look the entire property over in a different perspective.  It's mostly bare, lots of brown, and very little evidence of what it will look like in just a few months.  All my plant markers in place look like a cemetary with lots and lots of tombstones.  Once the garden gets growing, they will barely be seen.  I have labeled almost every plant in all my gardens so as I get older, I will know what they are as I am sure I will forget.

In these cold and sometimes gloomy days, it's so reassuring to see a few signs of life in the garden.  I have Helleborous (Lenten Rose) already putting up some green shoots.  These hardy beautiful flowers will actually be in full bloom by the 1st of March and will continue their show through the spring into the early days of summer.  They are an expensive investment but do so well in the shade and look so nice in bloom.  Pictures will be forthcoming.

Also showing signs of life are the daffodils.  Already putting up an inch or two of green foliage on the way to their late March bloom.  Many of the plants I have don't even die off in the winter.  I actually continue to see green stems and some leaves on many of my rose bushes.  Hardy plants for sure.  Many other perennials are hanging in there:  the lamium are still green, the ivy of course always stays green, the yarrow still sports a lot of healthy foliage and much of the bronze ajuga still looks decent.  Of course there are also shrubs that maintain their good looks through the worst of the winter.  I have American Beautyberry bushes that continue to hold onto their purple fruits through the worst, and a become a true favorite of the mockingbirds who enjoy the berries this time of year.

During these winter days, I walk around the yard with my paper and pen and make notes (actually lists) of what I need to do as soon as the temperatures are bearable.  I systematically walk by each garden (I have several which I will detail in a future post) and jot down suggestions of things that will need to be done.  My neighbors must think me weird but when all is bloom and they are enjoying it, they understand.  Of course alot of these things don't HAVE to be done, but it's my hobby and it's what I do.  I hope to be doing my thing starting late February.  There's always things to do.

So as winter drones on, I look forward to the warmer days ahead and the miracle of garden rebirth.  It is so amazing to see my "babies" all start their life cycle all over again and make me proud of what I have done and more I will find to do.

Come on spring!!!!