Ahhhh...Another Sign!

Despite morning temperatures around 20 degrees, a nice warm day close to 50 degrees gave another whiff of spring. Interesting that 50 degrees is t-shirt weather in March (in Wisconsin) but quilted flannels and jackets in October! We all want those warm days to arrive and by July, we might be longing for the cooler months of late summer. It is truly wonderful to live in a climate with four distinct seasons. Unfortunately, some of the seasons (like spring) seem to be all too fleeting. Unfortunately we had a tough winter but in 20 years, we'll all be referring to "that winter" of 2007-08. Wandering the gardens today, I noticed both snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and Danford irises (Iris danfordiae). These bulbs (planted in October) are timed perfectly with winter aconites (see previous post) and truly are the first blooms we see at ground level. The vernal witchhazels (Hamamelis vernalis) are blooming as well but we don't have too many sizeable specimens at the gardens. Keep checking to see spring updates as it will go fast and furious very soon, particularly after we get those freakish 75 degree days. Speaking of which, one year ago, it was 75 degrees here in Janesville! We'll take what we can get and roll with the punches.


Great time of year to cut back ornamental grasses, trim back old perennial growth, prune and otherwise prep for the impending spring.