Sunday, April 3, 2011

The Magnolia Was Still There

The resilience of the spring garden is astounding at times. After two blasts of snow and freezing cold I was certain the flowering magnolia would be toast. There is a little and I mean a little browning discoloration on the petals, but the magnolia blooms on unfazed.



The late rising crocus in the assortment of bulbs in a single planting hole on the north facing slope of the annex were so far behind all the other bulbs they are actually on a more normal schedule. A double whammy of snow and cold did not bother them in the least.



The daffodils that remain standing give no hint of wicked winds and wet and heavy sideways falling snow. It is spring. They have business to attend to.



The anemones are enjoying the frequent cold drinks.



Today it was 70 degrees with a light breeze. Today anyway.



It was an opportune time to take the loft ladder outside and stain it to match the wood in the rest of the cabin.



Then it was hung back up to finish drying.



While I was waiting for stain to dry more boulders were added to Creation. Full sun with tree shadows aren't the best conditions for pictures.



The native denizens of the forest floor are waking up. Claytonia virginica, Spring Beauty.



Anemone acutiloba or Anemone americana, I can't tell.



Sanguinaria canadensis, Bloodroot.



Viola rotundifolia, Yellow Violet



Introduced by the gardener, Dogtooth Violet, Erythronium dens-canis.



And the ramps are here, Allium tricoccum. I know it's spring when I see the diggers parked along the road and trespassing at the neighbors.



A little warm, a little cold, a little rain, plenty dense fog, slapped with snow, on again off again, back and forth. I live in a climatic battle zone.

4 comments:

Lola said...

Seems the white stuff didn't have an adverse affect on the vegetation. Sure like the little blooms that are so close to mother natures hands. The color of the Magnolia looks like mine.
The loft access looks terrific like it was made a part of all.
Bet kitties sure are enjoying the warmth.
Even in the shadows the mask looks great. That is what it looks like to me, a huge mask to celebrate a fine new home.
Oh boy, love those ramps. Guard them or they will be gone. If they were happen to be discovered that is. It's a wonder that they are still there.

Anonymous said...

That is a wonder about the magnolia; I have seen those in my area devastated by cold. I am beginning to be a firm believer in microclimates. I am also amazed that you seem to be ahead of us lowlanders on the coastal plain. Your parents picked the right spot on the mountaintop! I bet they can't wait to get back!

bev

Christopher C. NC said...

Lola the native ephemerals that carpet the forest floor are just getting started. Miss Collar has been spending nights outside it has been so warmish. Yea we had ramp rustlers come on the place one year. I collect and sow seed though and think I can out grow the rustlers. They seed so easy it is pathetic they have become rare plants.

Bev the lows were 27 and 29 and of brief duration. That magnolia has been zapped in the past, all the way to the ground one year. It is surprising I am ahead of a zone 7. Seems every year is a bit different. The folks will be back this week.

Lola said...

You should try pickled ramp. They are quite likable.
A big welcome this week to the Resident Gardeners.