Last weekend temps got up into the 80s followed by overnight lows hovering at frost levels. Day time temps have been chilly with mostly gray skies. We're supposed to hit 60°F. today and tomorrow and then drop back into the 50s for the next ten days.
The good news is that the overnight lows are all expected to be in the 40s, so I can plant the four mail-order shipments of perennials that are sitting in the living room, front hall and basement sink.
A friend and I went window shopping for trees and shrubs at our fave nursery, K & A, on Tuesday. We bundled up, but we were still freezing. Here's the reality of our weather: All the perennials at the nursery were under covers and many had to be moved back into the greenhouse as we all wait for Spring to decide to stick around.
Two pots of tender bulbs on the left. First time I've tried to grow these and I'm nervous about how long it's taking for them to appear; as well as how long they've been stuck in the house. On the right are Orchids and Cyclamen: house plants waiting to go outdoors for the summer. In the middle are a mix of plants ready to go in the ground today.
I was expecting this small package of Cyclamen and Primula from Edelweiss Perennials but had not noticed the alert that I was also getting a package from Broken Arrow Nursery. Actually two big packages from them filled with evergreen and deciduous shrubs. Both nurseries sent beautiful plants wonderfully packaged. Can't wait for it to warm up a couple more degrees and then I'm off to plant and play in the garden.
The weather flip-flopping has been crazy everywhere it seems! Last week we had yet another short stretch of summer-like heat, which was followed almost immediately by cooler temperatures in the 60s and even a spot of drizzle that surprised weather forecasters. It does make garden work more challenging! I've only had 4 dahlia tubers sprout (out of 16) so far so I know the anxious feeling of watching pots for signs of life. I hope you see a lasting shift in your temperatures soon.
Posted by: Kris P | Friday, April 29, 2022 at 01:21 PM
Yes, it's a weird spring. I was just at Kopke's on Thursday, and very few people were there. Usually it would be swamped this time of year. I bought some annuals for my pots, but they'll stay on my porch and covered at night until the daytime temperatures warm a little more.
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 08:18 PM
BETH — I hope Im not tempting fate by planting my new arrivals.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Sunday, May 01, 2022 at 08:37 AM
I know that return address! You got a shipment from Secret Garden Growers, a favorite nursery.
Here we just wrapped up the wettest April ever and the coldest in 11 years. I am craving a spell of two or three warm sunny days where I can get some work done in the garden.
Posted by: danger garden | Sunday, May 01, 2022 at 11:09 AM
LOREE — It was from Edelweiss Perennials. We keep having a nice day or two and then yuk. I am planting on the nice days as I told all my shippers to send plants in late April or early May. Can't wait any longer to get things in the ground.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Sunday, May 01, 2022 at 11:23 AM