Monday, February 15, 2016

Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day & Foliage Follow-Up February 2016: The Winter Landscape

February 2016 Garden
Before we start the tour I would like to make a very special announcement. I am very excited to announce the recent publishing of the printed version of my book A Guide to Northeastern Gardening. There is a link to access it on the amazon website in the sidebar and further information will be forthcoming!
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After 20.2 inches of snow from winter storm Jonas on January 23rd, the month of February had gone back to temperatures into the 40's and 50's, resulting in the melting of any remaining snow, and continuation of the mildest winter on record since 2003. Once back to the warmer weather trend we were hit out of the blue with another snowfall, winter storm Lexi, bringing seven inches of glistening white to cover the landscape. Another snowfall followed on the 8th and temperatures have now plummeted into the 20's. Come along on a stroll with me in my winter garden...better bundle up!
Grafted Blue Globe Spruce
During the first week of February the infamous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow, predicting an early show of spring weather.  Any remaining snow had melted and temperatures were back up into the mid-40's.  More scientifically, the National Weather Service forecast called for the continuation of a mild winter.
Nandina domestica winter berries
For a while the landscape showed hues of greens, golds and blues, along with the brilliant red berries of deciduous shrubs, such as on the Nandina seen here...
Blue Globe Spruce and Weeping Norway Spruce
and the evergreens were dusted with a slight covering of snow, just enough to add a little interest for the winter season but without the severe cold.
Weeping Norway Spruce
There was even a glorious day when temperatures reached into the 50's accompanied by brilliant blue skies...a perfect day for a walk down to the local pond where the ducks had come out of their shelter and were enjoying the warmer weather.
Mill Pond February
Then out of the blue, another blast of snow arrived with winter storm Lexi on the 5th...
February Snow
covering the landscape once again with a fresh blanket of snow, followed by another winter storm right behind it on the 8th.
February Silence
I do have to admit that there is something wonderful about a new snowfall gracing the landscape and turning it into a winter wonderland, but this was unexpected with all the forecasts for a record warm winter.
Winter Storm Lexi
It did create the perfect scenery for an enthusiastic photographer to venture outside and capture some moments. 
Snow Covered Magnolia 
The last storm on the 8th was a heavy wet snow which clung to tree branches, creating a glistening effect in the sunlight...
Winter Storm Lexi
and the branches of deciduous plants had transformed into nature's own artwork.
After the Storm

It looks as if the winter weather is now here to stay...for a while at least.
Doves in Snow
Here are our morning dove visitors. I try to keep the birds fed during the winter months when food is scarce and these morning doves are enjoying the fallen seed from the feeder above. There is much activity at the feeder throughout each day and the visitors are a pleasure to watch.
Blanket of Snow
 On the perimeter of the property snow blankets the fence line and lays heavily on the branches of surrounding hydrangea and Hinoki Cypress...
Crape Myrtle in Winter
 and the cinnamon colored bark of the Crape Myrtle becomes more prominent as it is seen through the covering of snow.
A Curious Visitor
A curious visitor appears on the back patio to get out of the elements as the falling snow graces the landscape. My feathered friends are finally getting used to me over the years as they watch when I bring them food, and are much less fearful than in the past.
Blanket of Snow
I have always admired the landscape after a snowfall, as the sun comes out, blue skies return, and a wonderful silence seems to linger on, except for the occasional cracking of ice as it melts from the trees.

After the Storm-Skyland's Oriental Spruce (Right)

Daily Temperature

Up until now it has continued to be an unpredictable roller coaster winter with many surprises. We have experienced everything from 50 degree days to a record evening low of 0 degrees on the 13th, to temperatures returning into the 40's to bring in Bloom Day.
February 2016 Garden

While there are no blooms as this time of year, I still hope you enjoyed your stroll through my February Long Island garden. Special thanks go out to our hostesses Carol at May Dreams Gardens, who makes it possible to see blooms on the 15th of every month with her meme Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day and Pam at Digging for hosting Foliage Follow-Up.  I am also linking with some other wonderful hosts and hostesses at Today's FlowersFloral FridaysMosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage, I Heart MacroMacro Monday 2, and Nature Notes at Rambling Woods.  Also check out What's Blooming This Week Garden Update.

 My Book on Amazon  

As Always...Happy Gardening!

Author: Lee@A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2016. All rights reserved




32 comments:

  1. Your winter landscape makes me shiver to look at it. But it is beautiful all the same. Happy Bloom Day.

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    1. Happy Bloom Day Dorothy. It's pretty but I am ready for some warmer temperatures and blooms!

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  2. Wow! I think the snow is actually even more photogenic than flowers would be.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed! It was a pleasure to see your Daffodils and Quince blooming. I know spring will be here at some point.

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  3. All trees are very picturesque with snow Lee. Love your photos of birds, especially sparrows.
    Congrats to your book, dear! Happy GBBD!

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    1. Thank you Nadezda! I enjoyed your hyacinths blooming. I have not tried forcing bulbs indoors for sometime and now you have me thinking!

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  4. beautiful snow! Something that I have never find here. But I don't like cold weather.

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    1. I'll take some of your warm climate right now! I enjoyed the foliage on your Philodendron Lemon Lime. Happy Bloom Day!

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  5. Beautiful snow!
    Happy Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day!
    Lea

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    1. Thank you Lea. Your Hellebores are lovely. I had planted some last year but cannot find them under all the snow! I know deer can be a nuisance but your deer photos are beautiful!

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  6. I live in the Southern Tier of New York (near Johnson City) and was visited by family from near Rockville Centre yesterday. They told me how much more snow they had. Enjoyed all of your pictures and shared - thank you! Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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    1. It's snowing again right now...but they are saying only an inch or so before turning to rain. I saw that you are having the same deep freeze as we had. Spring cannot come soon enough!

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  7. Snow does look lovely on photos.. We have quite a few Sparrows in the garden at the moment and always have 2 Collar Doves that visit. I'm ready for Spring now. Congrats on your book :o)

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    1. Thank you Julie! I enjoyed my visit over to you...your robin birdhouse is adorable and functional!

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  8. I enjoyed the stroll through your snowy winter landscape. The snow covered magnolia is magical! We have not had any snow accumulation here this winter, though we have some snow flurries. Things here are drab and wet, and I am ready for spring to arrive. Unfortunately, our local groundhog did see his shadow.

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    1. Thank you for dropping by Deb and I am glad you enjoyed the snowy landscape. Maybe the groundhog was wrong for you and spring is on its way!

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  9. Those are some beautiful photos. We got hit pretty hard with the storm. If I'm inside it's beautiful. Outside. ...i dont like it! Lol

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by. It certainly has been a roller coaster winter. I am glad you enjoyed the photos and you didn't have to go outside! Stay warm!

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  10. Thank goodness for the snow. Everything needs a blanket with these really cold days. Beautiful pictures.

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    1. Thank you Layanee. You are right about the snow. With the frigid cold temperatures we have been having the roots needs to be protected. We just had a steady rain last night and most of the snow it melted. My hyacinths are visible 2-3 inches out of the ground already.

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  11. Congrats on the print version of your book.....your garden looks wonderful in snow. We had a melt of our 3 ft, and now we had 3 more feet and -20F temps. We are awaiting another foot of snow and ice tonight and tomorrow. Winter is still hanging in there.

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    1. Thank you so much Donna. The book was a long process but I finally finished it! It sounds much colder where you are with a lot more snow. We finally had a melt overnight as warmer temperatures brought rains into the area. Hang in there!

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  12. Great photographs...it is so fun to see how others live I have never lived in snow...it looks so pretty and I imagine it make you appreciate the other seasons so much more.

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    1. It does make you appreciate the seasons more. I love the changes that go on, but I will admit that while I want the warmer seasons to last, the winter has its less desirable moments!

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  13. Lovely photos. Again. You have more snow than I do. The temps dropped to single digits here on Friday and my plans to take pics outside got dropped along with them. A raccoon knocked off one of the drains outside and I have yet to go out and fix it.

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    1. There were a few days not fit for anyone to stay outside for any period of time. It's better now that some warmer temperatures have returned with rain, which is melting the snow. Stay warm...spring is on its way! I am enjoying your recent post When Everything Becomes a Contest...great read!

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  14. Everything is so peaceful after a snow. Lovely captures, Lee, and congrats on the book!

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    1. Hi June.Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind words. I am amazed by the number of beautiful birds you have on your property and am glad to hear that you are working to create an inviting habitat for Monarch butterflies.

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  15. Hello Lee... wonderful post. I do love those evergreens.. What wonderful habitat you provide and especially with some of the harsh winters we have had.. Michelle

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    1. Thank you Michelle. We have experienced some harsh winters. It's funny though, after posting these photographs, looking outside today it is 55 degrees and looking like spring...not a bad thing!

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  16. How lovely!! I'm glad to see the snow through your photos and not in person.. I enjoy our usual lack of winter here. But there is a special quiet beauty about it. Great photos.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the snow from afar. The snow is all melted now and spring bulbs are already on their way...but I have a feeling that winter is not quite yet over!

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Thank you for visiting. I love reading your comments and knowing you have been here, and will try to reciprocate on your blog. If you have any questions I will try my very best to answer them. As always...HAPPY GARDENING!