The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

 Everyday for the past few weeks I've fielded some kind of question about the abysmal state of the pansies and other winter weary botanical beings in our area. For the landscaper in me, this harsh winter is sure to guarantee lots of work for the spring and summer. But for the home gardener in me, a walk around my little acre (and I'm not referring to Kylee Baumlee's place) revealed the good, the bad, and the ugly.

           

Pieris japonica only intensified in beauty with all the cold weather

Full of buds ready to break open into rosy strands of flower bells

This heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' never faltered.

Red twig dogwood always is a winner in winter

But my hellebores took a beating!

As did my Loropedulum 'Suzanne'

I've never seen my ivy turn this dark maroon

This once always faithful and beautiful Ephorbia 'Blackbird' might have finally bit the dust.

I haven't given up hope on my new baby camellias, but it isn't looking too hopeful

Yea for the buds on my flowering quince!

 And daffodils are exploding through the ground.

This bridal veil spirea will be stunning in a few weeks

 Even my sycamore tree takes on a majestic look this time of year.

 The flowers on my Tulip polar tree are delightful in the late afternoon sun.

 And I am crazy about this Nandina 'Obsession'

My Mahonia 'Soft Caress', which I adore, has lasted 3 years here. Really wondering if it's really gone.

 There are signs of hope among the hellebores!

 And nothing like a little witchhazel to cheer my winter blues

Naked ladies! Or otherwise known as Lycoris, starting to make their clothed appearance, then they will die to the ground and return mid-summer to earn their moniker.

 Magonia "Elizabeth" buds are well protected for the next cold snap this week.

Never knock junipers if you've haven't tried 'Saybrook Gold' - a stunny look in the winter!

 Chinese Snowball Viburnum buds - one of my favorite spring displays

 And signs of blueberries to come...

 There is definately the bad from this winter - like this Mediteranean Heather (Erica) that I'd had for almost 10 years which looks like it may be toast,

But there is plenty of good to enjoy!
51a7aa77f5e0ad4dc4b2a64108cf11b1c9ea330f54e069cfe8

Redeeming The Dirt

 "It is when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us; it is the very sign of His presence."

- c.s. lewis

And by redeeming the dirt, spring erupts into new life.