December 2015

Dear Gardening Friends,   Many of you have asked questions about the effects of the unprecedented warm weather we’ve been experiencing. People have mentioned things blooming like forsythia, primrose, daffodils and I even saw pussy willows. So how will this warm weather effect our plants for next spring? My best educated prediction is….who knows?! A lot will depend on what kind of weather we have this winter. As I write this it’s snowing, but it is supposed to warm, up again next week. The following are some thoughts:   The best thing for the plants would be some snow cover to protect the perennials from any temperature fluctuations. That’s the reason perennials came through last winter so well, they were protected by a “blanket” of snow.   Without snow cover any tender perennials should be protected with a layer of leaves, mulch or pine boughs. Since it’s supposed to be mild through the month you will be able to gather pine boughs from discarded Christmas trees. Just lop off the larger bottom boughs and place them over your plants. It works very well. I do it every year.   If you have smaller spring blossoming shrubs like azaleas with swelling blossoms it would be wise to give them some protection from the winter winds with a shrub coat or burlap wrap. These swelling blossoms will be very susceptible to freezing temperatures.   Larger shrubs and spring blossoming trees are difficult to protect. I saw one magnolia that was just about ready to pop. Below freezing temperatures would probably kill any blossoms that have started to open. We’ll just have to hope for the best.   As for the primroses and other spring bloomers like forsythia, they should be fine but may not bloom as profusely in the spring.   It all really depends on what this winter weather has in store. As I already said, let’s hope for the best!   If you’re looking for a last minute gift for a gardening friend I have some hypertufas (light weight concrete planters) and concrete birdbaths available.   Copies of my book; Five Keys to Better Gardening are also available as well as gift certificates from as little as $10.00. It may be applied toward any purchase for a Garden Consult & or perennials. Just give a call or e-mail to make arrangements.   Have a wonderful Holiday season and a Happy New Year!!! Thank you for your business, kind words and encouragement.   Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature 170 Pine St., E. Aurora, NY 14052 716-652-2432 [email protected]     Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. Our mailing address is: Lessons from Nature 37 N Union Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences