After snow the 3rd week of January, I expected a final die-back in the garden after an unusually mild winter. Even after being buried in nearly a foot of snow for a week, and enduring a heavy ice storm, plants that should be dead live on. In fact, I think it spurred increased vigor, and the 50 to 60 degree days that followed in early February convinced the plants that spring is here.
Last summer when I planted this radicchio I was so disappointed because it refused to set heads. Week after week it would send up long, flimsy, furry green leaves that were not what was pictured on the seed packet, and didn't taste anything like radicchio. After 8 months it not only survived the snow, but finally decided to set beautiful, firm heads of the radicchio I know and love. I've been enjoying several leaves a day in my salads.
The Swiss Chard is still coming on strong.
Chives have emerged.
The mints usually die back, but not this year. They are as vigorous as ever.
Pieris Japonica is in bloom.
Spring bulbs are bursting up from the japanese maple leaf mulch I cover the beds with in the winter. I usually wait until March to rake away the mulch, but I may have to lift it earlier so as not to encourage slug overpopulation.
If it ever stops raining again, I obviously have lots to do in the garden. I finished pruning the fruit trees and though I'd have a couple more weeks before getting my hands dirty again, but maybe not!
Comments