When a cold climate gardener gets a string of spring-like days in February, he or she gets a feeling of foreboding. We’re going to pay for this, somehow. So I was not surprised when the snowstorm of the century decided to arrive mid-March. Consequently, any flowers that were blooming in late February or early March are now buried. But you know what? Flowers actually blooming outdoors this time of year are so special that I am going to show you what you missed. If you don’t know any of these plants, you really should make their acquaintance, because the very first bloom of the year is a powerful mood enhancer and cabin fever alleviation.
All of that is buried under snow now
I am writing this Tuesday evening and the last measurement we took before dark showed 33 inches (~84cm) and the snow is still falling. Snow up to my waist! Currently blooming in the house: Snow in March melts faster than snow in January, I tell myself. This is actually not as bad as those sub-zero temps with a mere dusting of snow, I tell myself. P.S.–The snowstorm known as Stella is not actually a blizzard here. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as “a storm which contains large amounts of snow OR blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).” And it’s not that windy here. Yet.Inspired by the words of Elizabeth Lawrence, “We can have flowers nearly every month of the year,” Carol of May Dreams Gardens started Garden Bloggers Bloom Day. On the 15th of every month, garden bloggers from all over the world publish what is currently blooming in their gardens. Check it out at May Dreams Gardens.
I think waiting for the spring to come is poetical..Moreover waiting for the belated spring to come after a blizzard is even more poetical..this year we’re going to enjoy the sun because we miss it so much. I desperately need my aconites, irises fix.
Wow you had lots more blooming than we did. I had a few crocus, an aconite, a few snowdrops, a Christmas rose and a witch hazel…oh and I saw a couple iris reticulata…but most were frozen with bitter cold that hit here…coldest weather all winter….and now 3 ft of snow buries it all. Actually we had snow just until early this morning so probably more than 3 ft by now. It will be interesting to see how fast it melts as the weather looks cold right through the month in CNY.
Donna, most of the pictures I took were from before that bitter cold. If you read my previous post you’ll know that my hellebores took a big hit. The snowdrops started drooping, and Colchicum munzurense was actually done blooming, it was so early.
I really hope spring thaws your ground soon! I know I’ll be looking forward to springtime blooms soon! They can never come soon enough, can’t they?
Looks like a blizzard, acts like a blizzard… I’m going to call it a blizzard! Hope when the snow melts some of those blooms pop back up. Thanks for sharing with us for bloom day!
Kathy, I do so enjoy your blog! Waiting for spring!
Hi Kathy! I sadly experienced the storm here, and my garden is currently covered in snow as well. I’m enjoying your gorgeous indoor blooms! The clivia is lovely 🙂
Angie, I inherited my clivia from my mom. My understanding is they are expensive but very long-lived. I heartily recommend you add one to your houseplant collection.
We got 2 feet of snow and it really hasn’t stopped. We’ve had snow showers all morning. We were definitely spoiled by temps in the high 60’s in late February. I hope this storm was Winter’s last “Hurrah”.
Mercy, Kathy, that is mind-boggling to this Texas gardener! No wonder you look forward to spring so much!
Not as much snow here but everything is buried again. I love Odyssey Bulbs.
They say that snow insulates, so your plants will be okay under there. I do hope ‘they’ are right. I enjoy the first Dandelions of Spring, too!
Happy Garden Bloggers’ Bloom Day!
I hope it has stopped now! And I hope it is winter’s last hurrah for the year.
Bummer! I remember the first couple of “springs” we returned to NY too too soon. Glad I’m finally holding back and staying South a little longer. I always feel I’m missing out on Spring up there but not now! Although you do have me wondering if my aconites bloomed (; I may have to set up some kind of cam.