Last winter was different than the year before.
Not uncommon, most years vary in temperatures, snow accumulations and if cold weather arrives early or stays late.
I am sure you notice it as well.
Well this spring my garden told me its displeasure in last winters long and cold visit! (maybe it showed me is a better description, before you all go thinking I here whispers in the wind... again! ☺)
Below is a photo of my little rock garden I have under my spooky tree. I have mentioned this spot and told you the tale of the tree before. I also mentioned why I planted many types of vines to climb up it to keep it a living community for birds, butterflies and other critters.
remember all these pretty red and yellow tulips?
(All photos are clickable to see larger.
Please do not steal, just ask if you would like to borrow)
Spring was in blooming colorful force, last April 21. The crocus were done, the hostas were starting to quickly dig out their faces from the soil. The critters and plants were busy singing their spring song.
I remember remarking to my friend and neighbor, "the park ranger" that this spring was so pretty! It filled us all with cheer and hope that the rebirth of mother earth can only do.
We had our usual spring and summer storms and clean up duties left over form the previous winter. But with everything popping up and shooting "look at me" it made the chores go a little easier.
Then came the long cold dead of winter. Long gray days and freezing nights. When spring did finally start to appear it brought with it much fury, as if she was filled with resentment for winter daring to take up so much of "her" time! Spring is still on the warpath!
So almost a year later here is the same rock garden just beginning to show some life.
April 25, 2011
A few tulips leaves show promise, the crocus were few and most did not bother to even open their eyes, just slowly climbed back under the covers until next year.
May 9, one lone red tulip, and the start of other green neighbors
May 17, poor faded and shredded tulip's last gasp
When the tulip first showed signs of awakening it had 2 or 3 cousins. Then somebody (most likely my mystery gardener) got hungry and had the buds for a snack. The hostas are filling in nicely as well as the spotted nettle, whew!
If you are able to look closely (try clicking on the image), you may also see something more is happening to the spooky tree. Below is the tree before anything was even attempting to grow in the rock garden.
Oh My! It is almost naked!
Last year it was fully covered with vines, flowering, hops and grapevines to name a few. Well Mr. Winter pulled them all just about down and along came spooky trees bark! I will be working on finding more ways for my vines to grab onto spooky tree. I can't bear to see it naked! I will post more later on spooky trees trauma and if she makes it to be a wildlife haven once more.
Have you noticed things in your yard or garden growing differently after longer or shorter winters?
My final thoughts this week are for all my fellow Americans and readers who are facing the terrible storms, tornadoes and devastation that spring is still spewing out. We have been blessed, we narrowly missed a tornado this past weekend.
Sending you all a big hug for comfort and safety.
Until next time... Faythe
All photos are clickable to make larger.
Please do not steal, just ask if you would like to borrow .
