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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

IMPROVING THE WINTER GARDEN

There is something about a light dusting of snow in the garden. It enhances the plant structure and suddenly the winter garden takes on a new and interesting look. This might be a rocky plateau in west Texas with A. parryi and A. filifera set among the ledge stones in my front garden.

Even the old brown buzzard stands out against the snow covered gravel and the Mexican feather grass. ( On a side note I read yesterday that feather grass should be divided to keep it vigorous).

The snow flakes which fell this morning were some of the largest I have ever seen. They quickly gave a generous dusting to the English garden. Enough to outline the brick edged beds and dry stone wall.

This is my first daffodil. If it had an idea of opening today it quickly changed its mind.
I left the house at 10:30am and didn't return until 3pm by which time most of the snow had melted. There are still flurries and I have the heater on in the greenhouse which is filled to bursting with seedlings and overwintering plants. It's going to be another cold night.

8 comments:

  1. I've enjoyed seeing several posts of the snow in Austin today. I think that daffodil will bloom tomorrow!

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  2. Love the picture with the brown buzzard and of the English garden.

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  3. I just bought a Mexican feather grass. Then, I read that it reseeds a LOT. I hope I didn't make a mistake. But, they're so pretty. Guess we'll see.

    You're garden looks good, under any circumstance. I hope you're not having to replace too many things.

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  4. Your english garden looks lovely - I love the brickwork. I look forward to seeing it in summer.

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  5. It's so pretty! Who knows when we'll get another sight like this. Didn't realize that Mex. feather grass wants to be divided. Thanks for the tip! Linda

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  6. Carol- even though the sun came out my daff. stayed in. maybe tomorrow.
    Sweet bay- The buzzard was a gift from my son. he always knows what to get me.
    Linda- Don't worry about the reseeding nature of the grass. They are easy to pull out and always manage to plant themselves in the perfect spot.
    Jayne- I wish sumer would get here. I am freezing! The spring and fall gardens are the best. Lots of color.
    However, I'm not sure how things will turn out this year.
    Linda- It was fun wasn't it but I'm ready for spring. How about you?

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  7. Jenny, sorry you didn't get to stay home and watch those huge snowflakes fall on your garden the other day. It was a lovely site. I'll bet by this weekend you'll have LOTS of daffodils.

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  8. I just pull out the dead "hanks of hair" rather than dividing Mexican feathergrass, and it seems to keep it looking good.

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