I’ve had plenty of winter this year, yessiree. It is mid-February and that means the worst is over and spring is on its way. Eventually. February gardening in Ohio usually means lots of waiting, unless you are starting your seeds inside. Then, under the lights you see sprouts of spring -just about when March is ready to blow into the calendar year. The last of winter in the flower garden will not likely yield many flowering plants here, unless it is one of those unusual mild winters.
We were in deep freeze until recently when the climate had wild swings from near zero (or below) to tropical 50-60 °. Presently we are looking to receive more rain on top of our already saturated ground. I didn’t experience them, but learned about frost quakes for the first time. Apparently places like Pennsylvania and Minnesota had them. Due to the saturated ground and polar vortex, there were pops and explosions of the earth.
Yes, I’m a little worried for my peach trees. I planted three new ones and gave them no protection. They would have been better prepared with some mulch and wrapped trunks.
Winter Beauty
We had plenty of winter beauty this year, and with the snowfall this month, it was prettier than usual for this month. I have memories of February being soggy with dirty half-melted snow. We either have snow or not around here (usually not) in cold weather; and it looks halfway presentable for photos. Although I took almost none this winter.
I love the beauty to be had, but was a bit jaded when it comes to photographs. I get tired of winter snowscapes -except when experiencing them firsthand.
We had some exceptional scenes, and it is too bad I had such an attitude about using a camera. We had ice storms that coated the trees, winter wonderland snowfalls, and a particularly magical scene of hoarfrost and new fallen snow together one night. The ground was covered in fluffy white, while the fog froze on every branch and withered weed. The wands of the willow tree hung like cascades of diamond dusted ice curtains over the driveway.
Truly magical in the deep night of winter.
I did take a few pics for instagram, after one of the recent snowfalls.
The Flowers Are Coming
All this month the spears of daffodil and snowdrops have shown that they are eager to emerge. I should be inspecting since sometimes the snowdrops have come into full bloom without me even realizing it. I used to get a glimpse from the window, but now I have to actually venture into the yard to see them blooming. (I let the pyracantha grow over the window last year)
After about a decade or more they finally decided they liked my yard. Galanthus nivalis has been planted here in a couple spots, but never multiplied in the happy way that the Glory of the snow (Chionodoxa) bulbs have. Until the last year or two! Then there were snowdrops coming up in the lawn and all around the Magnolia stellata.
The snowdrops are the earliest blooming bulbs, here.
Then come the daffodils, and ‘February Gold’, despite its name, usually does not appear until March. A diminutive sized plant and flower that has perfect proportions in a clear golden yellow. It is one of my favorite daffodil cultivars. ( Although I have many, many favorites, honestly).
Scillas in the box, a young Magnolia stellata immediately behind.
Magnolia stellata starts budding out at the end of this month, but because it flowers early sometimes the blossoms are ruined in late frosts which we can expect into April. Groundhog Day predicted that winter will end sooner rather than later… but I have my doubts.
All The Rain
I can’t imagine being out in the garden anytime soon with all the rain we have had, and continue to have. It gets soppy-soggy and muddy even in normal years. This year is exceptionally wet… as I think I said.
The frozen state of the ground helps a bit, but when it thaws- it sucked my husbands shoe right off!
That reminds me. On a topic detour: so many gardening people complain about grass and lawns, but it is during mud season that you can appreciate the quality of grassed areas. The grass is useful for swales to help water runoff without losing soil, and when walking anywhere in my yard at this time, the protection of grass means one can walk through necessary areas. A garden isn’t the place for fads, but a stewardship of the ground we borrow for a time. I don’t love lawns at all, but they do have their uses.
That winds up my little chat as I drop in on this blog and update you on what is happening in the garden.
‘Til next time
I so enjoy comparing Central Ohio garden and weather notes with you! It has been one soggy February, hasn’t it? Found my first crocus yesterday, today it’s snowing! Oh well.