Sunday was all blue skies, sunshine, breezes and melting snow running in rivulets everywhere. Monday was more of the same but with a nice boost in the temperature into the high 40s. Today there's been another spike in the temperature well-into the mid-50s at the moment.
Whether March will arrive like a lamb or a lion later this week, I know that it is unlikely we've seen the end of snow and cold. I am not moving one sodden leaf off of anything yet, despite the fact that very early plants like Arum italicum are pushing through. Usually the leaves of this beautiful foliage plant are a pattern of green and white, but I love this quirky yellow-green version just as much. I'm sure it's a weather-related color fluctuation.
I've been going out to check on the progress of the snowdrops on the south side of the house. They started poking up yesterday, only the third time they've made an appearance in February in the thirteen years I've been recording when they arrive. Not much to look at but an exciting moment nevertheless.
Whether we will have a long enough streak of warmer weather to make the snowdrops bloom this early is still the unanswered question. The plants like Hellebores and Epimediums (below) that typically remain green under the winter snow cover did not do that this year. Too much extreme cold without snow turned everything brown and crunchy. They eventually got buried but it was too late. Just more brown leaves wherever I look, which makes the appearance of the snowdrops even more of a thrill.
That's exciting about the Snowdrops! I have some emerging, too, but apparently the voles enjoyed lunching on them this year. I don't know if I'll get any blooms out of them. On a more positive note, the Daffodils are making great progress and will be ready for the next warm streak. Love this time of year, even though it usually happens in March.
Posted by: Beth @ PlantPostings | Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 07:29 PM
It was a rough winter indeed for evergreen perennials.
The usual mostly-open winters here (western Virginia) make winter foliage more visible and potentially more valuable. With decent precipitation from winter's messy mix, it can a offer a spark of life deep into the season -- in my garden, mostly from ivy, geraniums, and heucheras.
But we went into this winter dry, and early on entered an unusually long, deep, and unrelenting period of sub-freezing temps day and night. Now that there are sprouts and early blooms, it's remarkable how little of the usual company they have.
At least the wheel is turning, as your snowdrops prove! Roll on spring...
Posted by: Nell | Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at 09:42 PM
Nothing more exciting than seeing a bit of green this time of year. My hellebores were brown too. They hadn't done that in some time. Usually they stay green.
I can see how much further south my garden is by seeing your pictures. We have had a couple of firsts this week. First bee seen. It was on the Snowdrops, and first daffodils. The ones right up by the house. Fun fun...
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 04:28 AM
It's a special moment to feel that bit of spring in the air!
Posted by: Susie | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 05:41 AM
Another sunny morning. Even that is enough to boost my spirits. I know winter's not over but the end is in sight!
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 07:50 AM
Interesting how we can be seeing something similar despite very different climates.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 07:55 AM
I'm voting for an early spring and an end to the cold! However Ma Nature doesn't often listen to me. Exciting snowdrop discovery in your garden!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 09:07 AM