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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Monday, March 3, 2014

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!

24 comments:

  1. I love that quote about winter being like Justin Bieber. We got that same snow up here, fortunately it didn't last long, I think most of it was gone in a couple of days, if not the next day. But it was enough to finally do in my whale's tongue Agave completely. Come on Spring!

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    1. The snow didn't last long here either which is what makes snow here kind of sweet. I'm right there with you cheering spring on!

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  2. Not a fan of snow despite of it's beauty. Second weekend in a row that it's too rainy to garden. Shucks. Mother nature is showing us who is boss. Your topiary is lovely, don't get rid of it. I would cut the bottom two branches off; It may look odd for a minute but the under planting will soon help you forget. The church with the stain glass is just about perfect size for your winter migration...

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    1. I have hopes for this Saturday having some sunbreaks between the showers that we can take advantage of. Gee, I was just hoping to get a greenhouse one of these days but now that you mention it... I've stood, saw in hand, looking at that topiary trying to decide about the bottom branch many times. I should just take the plunge!

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  3. I agree with chavliness about removing the 2 bottom branches.

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    1. Glad to hear that you think it won't wreck the tree. I'm a very cautious pruner.

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  4. Wow your Yucca gloriosa variegata looks to be completely acne free! (mines loaded with yucky winter spots). The sun came out yesterday afternoon for about an hour, but then it was back to the wind and rain. I am so over all of this and can't wait for a dry few days. I want to go clean up all the mud from the fence construction but instead it just keeps getting worse...

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    1. I've been very lucky with Yucca gloriosa having a clear complexion: It's sport, Yucca 'Bright Star' on the other hand has lots of spots on the lower leaves this year. Maybe when it gets bigger and the leaves are farther from the ground it'll stop. YES! Done with the wind and rain already!

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  5. As I write this the whole family is home today hunkered down and awaiting yet another winter storm. I think I really need some of that vodka, hold the cider.

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    1. Yikes! Another winter storm? Like with snow and everything? You need a drink all right!

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  6. Your spiky plants are holding up well in this weather. I think the topiary looks quite festive like a party dress though you could shorten it a bit by taking off both lower branches.

    It's cold here too and at least it isn't snowing although we've apparently got "thunder sleet" on the way.

    Canada may send us endless cold waves but they also ship my winter favorite maple-flavored whiskey to help us deal with it.

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    1. I never know what length of party dress is in fashion. Perhaps it's time for that tree to bare her ankles.

      "Thunder sleet" does not sound good in any way. I hope it passes you by!

      O.K. we'll forgive Canada then.

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  7. Hehehe, Justin Bieber is annoying. Snow makes everything look so beautiful! but for now on let's have sun and good weather, that makes everything look beautiful too :)

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    1. I agree, snow is lovely but it's time for a little sun!

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  8. That's some relatively heavy snowfall you've had there but glad to hear it has now all melted. Snow is only cute for a short time then the novelty quick runs out. Have patience, spring is definitely just around the corner :)

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    1. The snow only lasted a day and I do love it. However, this wind and rain business that is predicted to continue again all week is a bit tiresome.

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  9. Another vote for saying adios to bottom two branches.
    Saturday it was 85 deg. here. Sunday night it was 17. My lovely snowdrops, which were just beginning to bloom nicely are drooping and the blades opaque looking - done for the year.
    And STILL no rain where I am. Really am hating this winter in TX hill country.
    Love your beautiful snow photos, but commiserate with wanting it ov.er.

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    1. Oh Sandy, I don't know how you or your plants deal with the huge mood swings that mother nature throws your way! Sorry about your snowdrops; they're such sweet little things. Thanks for the tree advice. You've given me the courage to go out there and do it!

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  10. Great fun to get together with you at YGPS on Saturday. You and Alison are such intrepid road-trippers, you're practically honorary Oregonians. Your garden is so pretty dressed in snow, but can't you convince her it's time to do a little striptease?

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    1. It was delightful to see you too, Ricki! There are so many cool garden places to see! I'm a big fan of road trips, especially ones that end with a back seat full of plants! My garden isn't shy and threw her snowy frock off fairly quickly. The wind and rain could take a break for a while though!

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  11. Haha! I love that quote about Bieber. At least snow makes things pretty for a while. Your contorted filbert is beautiful in the snow.

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    1. Snow does make everything beautiful and I love it anytime November - February. Now I'm ready for spring or at least a break in the rain!

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  12. Your plants look beautiful in the snow, particularly the filbert, and I can appreciate mine a little, plus I know one year with a lot of snow the fruit trees went crazy the next summer, loaded with fruit, so I hope to gain from the pain of loss of mail, trying to shovel my driveway, etc. But spring can't come soon enough for me either.

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  13. I love snow but I think we're all ready for the rain and wind to let up for a while!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.