This Month in the Garden: February 2019

It was a challenge to get outside with my camera this month because I was crazy-busy preparing and presenting garden talks, visiting my grandchildren in Arizona, and meeting my writing deadlines. I overbooked myself; I hope March is a little quieter. On the few occasions that I managed to take a look around my garden, there seemed to be precious little to share with you. It is still very early, but usually there are some sign of spring; this time last year there were hellebore buds and daffodil shoots. If there are some today, they are hidden under snow and ice. The leaves of the brussel sprouts and broccoli in the coldframe are still very green although they aren't 'bearing fruit' -- just staying dormant. I'm anxious to see the final outcome of this experiment in the spring.

The picture I took this morning shows little change from the one I took a month ago, but the brassicas are surviving

After careful scrutiny, I found some brave crocuses pushing through the frozen ground in the pollinator garden.

February is really all about the birds with the Great Backyard Bird Count near the middle of the month.  I didn't seem to count as many birds as previous years, and no unusual ones, but it is always fun.  I saw my first two mockingbirds, but didn't get a good picture.

Clockwise from top left: house sparrow, female American cardinal, tufted titmouse, male cardinal.

My husband put out a new flag to welcome the birds:

With so much damaging weather, I have started making my to-do list for when the thaw finally arrives. In the kitchen garden some of the raised beds need attention. 

The freezing soil caused damage to the raised beds.

 The five miniature gardens look very sad, with dormant moss and sheets of ice. I should take the fairies and furniture indoors during the winter, but never do. I think this spring will be the year to empty them out of their containers and start over. I've made a note to mention it to my grandson helper, Jonathan, who made the sweet gardens originally. I'm acquiring some new accessories.

Another ice-storm battered the biotas. I hope they survive.

Grasses and evergreens provide a little interest in my February gardens -- the biotas not so much, but the yew and the weeping Norway spruce are thriving. Can't wait to start pruning and cutting down the grasses. 

Top left: yew.  Bottom left and right picture: weeping Norway spruce.

Weeping redbud 'Lavender Twist' has something to offer every season. I love the lichen on its branches. 

February 21st brought us another ice storm. So beautiful! The next few days saw strong winds. Many were without electricity, some for days. We were fortunate -- the generator fired up for a short time only.

View from the deck

View from our bedroom window.

My husband bought a cheery sign for the deck, courtesy of the thrift store ...

I am linking with Sarah's 'Through the Garden Gate' posting for February, Down by the Sea. I am so envious of her spring flowers. Something to look forward to here in the next two or three months.

Warm wishes to you my gardening friends -- whatever your season.

Pamela x

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