Winter's Last Gasp

 

I awoke this morning to the sun rising over another snow-covered day. The weather man says there will be a gradual increase in temperatures; he says that today marks winter's last gasp. I hope he is right. And I'm glad he said 'a gradual increase' because our clay soil can better absorb slow-melting snow. I took some photographs through an upstairs window, then ventured outside to take a few more. These are the first winter pictures of my garden; I thought I should record the event before the snow eventually melts, as it surely must.

I haven't entered the potting shed for some time ... too much snow and ice.

H.H. kept the pond from freezing over by adding a pond heater and bubbler. Through his efforts, we trust the fish survived the record-breaking low temperatures. 

The pond drew flocks of birds all winter. Mourning doves visited every day. 

(I apologize for the blurry bird pictures, but I desperately need to clean my windows.)

Mourning doves enjoying the pond

One of several visiting American robins

Is this a Northern Mockingbird?

Birds are not the only creatures visiting the pond as we can see by the tracks in the snow. I didn't cut back the grass in the fall, because I thought it would add winter interest. Unfortunately, it looked messy all season. And it blocks my view of the miniature pine that I love. A lesson learned.

Animal tracks all around the scruffy-looking grass.

The weeping redbud adds wonderful interest in the snow.

The grass near the Woodland Walk is much better behaved.

Deep snow makes it impossible to cross the bridge into the Woodland Walk.

I measure the amount of snow by the bench that sits against the pasture fence. The legs are approximately 12 inches high. Today, the snow covered the seat. The yellow triangular sign on the fence says "Hummingbird Crossing." There are none yet, but I heard the ruby throated hummingbird has started its long journey back from Mexico. Such hopeful news as we near the end of this long, long winter!

 Although the garden is hidden by snow, I see many problems I need to solve. In the shade garden, the naked lady shattered when a skunk knocked her off her pedestal. She was the focal point of this area and we have to decide on a replacement.

The 'naked lady' will be sorely missed,

The picket fence at the front of the house is rotting and needs replacing.

You can see the other side of the fence on the left of the house.  The pickets are in really bad shape, but the posts are still good.

As I admire our new 'coconut' mat, I see the front porch needs staining. I know this applies to the back porch and the deck, also. My 'must-do' list is getting longer.

Looking into the stone garden, I see another problem. We need to disguise/hide the new generator. We are thrilled to have a whole-house generator that 'kicks in' whenever the power goes out. However, it is so UGLY.  I thought it would be more hidden by the lilacs, but even before the leaves fell, it was exposed.

Nothing to be seen in the stone garden except the generator.

 Evergreen plantings? Fencing? We need to put something around the generator.

Feeling extremely cold in spite of the sunshine, today, I was glad to be back inside. Before uploading my pictures, I took one more photograph (through the garden room window) of a dear, female bluebird.

The weather man says spring will arrive soon, dear friends who are living in an area of winter snow. I believe the weather man. He has to be right this time.

Love,
Pamela x

Hanging at my front door, I have a different picture slate for each season.

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