Weather report

First serious snow of the year began Saturday afternoon. These views of the back garden were taken in the late morning on Sunday. It was still snowing though not the big flakes that can be easily seen in photos. This was fine snow almost like rain. Very cold and a good breeze blowing.

All of our work to create a garden that looks good in winter has paid off when I look out the windows on these views.

Our new "snow-viewing" style lantern looks great with its wide cap frosted with snow. Note the animal tracks coming down the left side of the hill known as the Buddha Mound. But they did not continue across the pond so we're not sure where that critter — possibly a fox — went. 

The dark lantern in the background is 18th C. Japanese. The three narrow vertical sticks mark the places where tiny new shrubs are planted. I marked them like this so no one — me included — will accidentally step on them walking through the snow-covered landscape.

It's supposed to snow again today starting in early afternoon. At the moment it is merely gray and bitter cold. When Mark got up this morning at 6 am to go meet friends for the daily coffee klatch it was -7 degrees F. (-21.66 C.) So cold he decided not to go out and came back to bed again. Here it is two hours later as I write this but the temp has only warmed up 2 degrees. I'm supposed to meet my gal pals for our weekly Monday coffee and gab fest this afternoon. But if it stays this cold we may cancel as well. 

Luckily it was not quite so cold on Sunday when Mark went out to clean the driveway. 

This was the first time this winter that Mark needed to use the snowblower. I hope this snow cover is not too late to help my plants make it through the winter. Besides which, annual snowfall replenishes ground water and it has been mighty scarce this winter. 

Comments

[Barbara H.]

Oh my, this brings back memories of my younger years. So glad I don't have to deal with below zero weather any more, though we've had a very cold winter for NE Alabama this year.

[Beth @ PlantPostings]

Oh February...what can I say. It's my "least-favorite" month and the "longest" here in Madison. I didn't realize it was that cold this morning. I DID notice that the horizon had a very reddish cast--in every direction. "Sailor take warning"? ... No, it's too frozen and cold for that! Trying to think of a silver lining today, and honestly, I'm thinking the only one is staying inside like you are.

[Linda Brazill]

I am hoping that this cold means no snow. Then I would not be so frustrated with such chilly temps. I don't always look but when Mark told me the early morning temp. it's made me go look every couple of hours.

[Lisa at Greenbow]

Brrrrrrrr You are getting the winter weather now. I bet your plants will be ok. I am hoping the same. Come on spring!