As we burrow under the bedclothes in a few months, let’s hope for a thick blanket of snow over the garden this winter. The structure of each snowflake contains layers of frozen water and air. As falling flakes pile up on the ground, more air is trapped within increasing layers of snow. This blanket of frozen water and air moderates winter soil temperature, keeping plant roots … [Read more...] about The beauty and burden of snow
snow
Blooming where we’re planted
Much of North America is still deep into the winter of its gardening discontent. Here in the Maritimes, we’ve been buried in so much snow, we can’t even claim to have a garden of winter interest, because pretty much everything interesting is under snow drifts and plowed banks and more snow and a little ice to keep it all challenging. The snow is so deep in my garden I can’t … [Read more...] about Blooming where we’re planted
Long-needled pines
When there’s a thin blanket of snow on the ground, it's just enough to put a silvery gloss on the winter garden. This is when I’m grateful for every conifer in my landscape, especially those with soft needles, three to five inches (8 to 13 cm) long. They’re graceful in all seasons, swaying gently in the wind, and have an elegant texture in snow. There is a big Eastern white … [Read more...] about Long-needled pines
Winter beauties in the garden
Most gardeners leave some perennials standing over winter, hoping they'll catch the snow and make a beautiful picture in the garden. With the first snow still fresh, now is a good time to look around to see where dried stalks and seedheads have been transformed into a winter tableau. Of course, you’ll also notice the empty areas where grasses and perennials were cut down, and … [Read more...] about Winter beauties in the garden
