At Least it isn't Snowing!

As I write this, the rain outside is coming down sideways, the wind bending tree branches and making the windows of my old house rattle.  Muttering something about being tired of winter to myself, it strikes me that I should be thankful it's not snowing as it was a couple of weeks ago! 

Don't get me wrong, snow makes me smile, makes everything seem clean and bright, and can result in my not having to work or at least having a late start.  It's just that I'm really raring to do some gardening this year and snow (also sideways rain) sort of kills that possibility.

Yucca 'Bright Star' is not amused.

Agave ovatifolia finds this joke in very poor taste!

Bamboo bending low under the weight of the snow which is a perfect consistency for making snowmen, snowwomen, snow children.

 I continually threaten to get rid of the topiary tree which seems to constantly need trimming and has grown a LOT since I planted it 10 years ago.  Funny how plants will do that.  BTW, I'm seriously considering taking off the lowermost branch on the right side.  Do you think the tree would look odd if that were to happen?  There is a circular bed beneath with black mondo grass and the branch has grown so close to the ground that the grass and other stuff on that side is becoming squished out.  What would you do?

One more reason to have a contorted filbert.

Winter is its season to shine but snow enhances the magic.

Much as I enjoy this and adore drinking hot cider with caramel apple flavored vodka,  I'm ready for winter to be over.  It is March after all.  (The pictures are from February) 

My niece sent me this quote and I'm not sure who wrote it but I love it:  "Winter is the Justin Bieber of seasons.  At first it was cute but the longer it's around, the more obnoxious it is and we wish it would stay in Canada."  (Sorry Canadian friends.)

The fish have retreated under the big flat rock that covers a large part of the deepest part of the pond.  Don't think they're fans of snow.

The timber bamboo is also bending.

The thread leaf Mahonia secretly loves this and thinks the snow adds to her mystique.  There's an oddball in every crowd.

Every garden needs a folly, right?  Here's mine.  Originally a synagogue, that congregation moved and rebuilt.  For at least 20 years, this has been home to the Apostolic Faith Church.  That group has decided to disband and attend other churches in their denomination so the building is for sale.  Great stained glass windows with natural scenes that look divine from my back door when illuminated from inside at night.  There is a parking lot and this would make a great for a restaurant!  There are several hospitals within walking distance whose employees are always looking for nearby places to eat - the lunch crowd, and a lot of folks in the neighborhood who would make a sizeable dinner crowd.  Anyone?  Anyone? 

Yucca gloriosa variegata is quite dapper in his white coat.

Baby yucca rostrata.

Poncirus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon'

Later in the day, this lady appeared across the street.  While she was a very quiet visitor and of course quite polite, I hope she's the last of her kind we see this winter.   Happy Monday.  May your week be free of snow!