Fickle Weather
Hot and Cold
After a week of summer-like temperatures, the weather turned on its head and brought 3 inches of snow.
The snow lasted three days before it surrendered to another bout of summer-like temperatures. How can we still have snow on the ground when the thermometer reads 63 degrees Fahrenheit? I don't know.
The weather is impossible, but I won't complain about it, as long as it's not damaging or unpleasant.
Sudden shifts in temperature are accompanied by strong winds, and the late spring snow, fed by the high moisture content in the air, is wet, abundant and heavy. While these conditions don't last long, they can put a lot of strain on the trees.
Other than that, the vegetation doesn't seem confused by the unseasonably warm weather.
Another round of precipitation is coming our way tomorrow, a summer downpour this time, complete with thunder and lightning.
Whatever will be, will be.
Signs of Spring
It may feel like mid-spring outside, but it's too early for gardening and spring cleaning.
I visited the plant nursery, which is still in winter mode, but where the elusive scent of pansies suffused the air. I looked for them everywhere. They must have been close enough for their scent to be carried in the air, but couldn't find them.
There is always a heavenly scent on the breeze early in spring, one I learned comes from the tree pollen and their self-effacing catkins and aments, from the barely open buds of early magnolias and other sources impossible to pinpoint.
It is there before the buds swell on the branches, amidst the winter debris, as bewildering as a loud noise in an empty room.
I took a stroll through the garden and confirmed it's still fast asleep, and judging by the growth of the trees and shrubs, it will be in deeper shade than before, once the aforementioned leaf out.
I really have to search for plants that bloom in full shade.
Early Flowers
Winter Aconite is the first flower of spring, emerging from the winter debris in February before other perennials awaken from dormancy.
Remember it belongs to the ranunculus family and, like all its kin, it's poisonous. Handle it with gloves and wash your hands after being in contact with its sap.