Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day, February 2022

 

I took a walk around the garden yesterday, although the temperature was 19°F (-7°C). I wanted to take pictures for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day. I'm sorry to say that this first Bloom Day post for several months contains no actual blooms. Birds are 'blooming' around the bird feeder, Brussel sprouts are thriving in the cold frame, and I did find one hellebore bud in the Serenity Garden. But there are no flowers to be seen on these frigidly cold February days. I'm in desperate need of snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils but spring is NOT in the air in the Pocono Mountains. We have scheduled another trip to Longwood Gardens where I know that spring flowers are blooming. Their new orchid house is opening February 26 and we age going on the 28th. In the meantime, I get my gardening fix each day by browsing some wonderful gardening books such as Chanticleer: a Pleasure Garden--I've been revisiting Rob Cardillo's fabulous photographs--and by binge-watching Gardeners' World on Britbox. I venture outside only occasionally ...

Deer tracks

A thin layer of snow is covering solid ice in my garden. There are animal tracks everywhere, especially from the numerous deer that spend winter on our property. They entered the kitchen garden through the open gate, but there is nothing for them to eat in there. The Brussel sprouts are secure in the cold frame.

The Brussel sprouts look a bit limp, but the half-a-dozen plants in the cold frame are producing well.

Deer tracks into the kitchen garden.

Something was sliding down the hill from the woodland walk: a deer? or perhaps squirrels?

It's difficult to see the hellebore bud in this poor photograph, but it's the fat white bit in the center among the brown leaves. A small find but a happy one!

There are soft, snow cushions on the Adirondack chairs in the Woodland Walk, but it's too cold to sit.

We have a big problem with the pond--it sprung a leak at the start of winter. Much of the water has disappeared and the remainder has frozen over. Duane put a bubbler and a heater in the deeper part and the fish seem to be surviving.

Koi under the ice in the shallow waters of the damaged pond.

 

I love the splashes of red all through the garden --from the color of the potting shed, to the koi fish and the red twig dogwood. The cardinal birds continue the rosy hue.

Arctic fire™ red twig dogwood (Cornus stolonifera 'Farrow'). I must prune it soon.

Can you see all three male American cardinals? The female is on the swing.

A bluebird and a woodpecker add different colors, though both have some red feathers.

I hope plenty of birds stop by next weekend for the Great Backyard Bird Count. I'll be counting; will you?

Two of the goats, Doodles and Bilbo, ventured out in the snow, hoping I had a snack for them.  They are warm enough in their thick winter coats.

I'm looking forward to the weekend. Not only is it the Great Backyard Bird Count, but also grandson Jonathan is coming to help me plan the 2022 gardens. I have evaluated what worked and what failed last year. We will be checking the seed stock and ordering what is needed. Jon and I will also design the containers and make a list of plants for then. And we mustn't forget our big, new venture-the meadow garden. Watch this space ...

Now I'm off to visit Carol's blog, May Dreams Gardens, where I know I will find some blooms for Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day.

Stay safe and healthy!

Love,

Pamela x

 

 

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