Weeds already? Is it Spring?

Weeds, like their more desirable garden counterparts, have a life cycle.  They germinate and start growing when their genetic code dictates.  For some weeds that cycle starts as early as December.  In order to prevent a hostile takeover of your garden, spend a little time out there pulling the weeds.  I know, it's only January, but the fresh air and exercise will do you a world of good.  By eliminating the weeds before those cute little white flowers appear, you will also prevent seed production and hopefully have fewer weeds to contend with next year.  

So, to answer your question:  No, it is not spring yet!  But it is time to weed...

Weeds are popping up in my perennial garden already!

Bittercress is a "winter" weed.  Pull it now to prevent seed production.

Handling Snow.....

January 2012 Snowfall

We rarely get snow and each time we do, I learn something new. This time I discovered that bamboo trees can't take much wet snow. The 2-3" of wet snow clung to the leaves of the bamboo and I was shocked to see them bending down and touching the grass.  Wind was predicted, it was raining heavily and the temperature hovered around 34 degrees.  I ran out with my camera to snap a few shots and then hurried to remove the snow.  Weather like this could quickly turn to more snow or even to ice.  I gently teased the snow off the branches, using a broom handle. The camellia bushes were buried under the bamboo and I was relieved to find them relatively unharmed.  As I shivered inside the house over a cup of hot tea, I was glad I had rescued my evergreen companions.  And thankful there had been so little damage afterall.

Snow had weighted down the row of bamboo trees.

Wet snow clung to the leaves, threatening breakage.

Elegant upright shoots were bowed completely to the ground.

Using a broom handle, the snow was gently teased off the branches.

Camellia bushes were trapped under the bamboo.

Thirty minutes later, the bushes emerged and the bamboo returned to nearly normal and upright, only a few broken branches this time.

What to do for your plants if it snows:

1.  Monitor the situation.  A little bit is fine but if the tree or bush looks stressed it needs to be attended to.

2  Listen to weather reports.  If snow is followed by freezing rain, all that extra weight could mean extensive damage.

3.  Wind damage is also a factor. The damage will be more severe if plants are covered in heavy snow.

4.  Gently wiggle the branches to remove the snow.  Work from the outside in, doing just a little at a time.  Gentle is key.

5.  Allow the branches to spring back up naturally.  Cold branches can be brittle and break easily.

6.  If bad weather persists you may need to attend to your plants more than once per day.