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!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 Flowers, Floral Fridays, Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage, I Heart Macro, Macro 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