Zone Five and a Half: Winter Interest in the Garden

Zone Five and a Half: Winter Interest in the Garden: Winter interest, the best excuse a gardener ever had. What should I NOT do in the garden this fall?  Taking a cue from Madame Nature, in s...

Shrubbery Flubbery -- Will Heavy Snow Harm Shrubs, Bushes and other Plants?

Wintry wonderings. Will the heavy snow harm shrubs and bushes? Should I remove or brush snow from the hedge?  Will snow or ice damage shrubs?  Evergreens and icy snow have a complicated relationship.  Nature can be harmful at times. 

The tall arbor vitae outside the kitchen window have taken an interesting "twist."  The unending snow this winter has bowed them over under the collective weight of pesky flakes.  During morning coffee in the warm kitchen, a debate ensued over the urgency of wading out in order to rescue the arching branches.  Coffee and warmth won out--for now, as the weather predicted is somewhat mild (by recent standards) and devoid of rain. 

Under best circumstances, the branches are loosely tied together in the late fall, which normally helps to avoid debate, and potential damage.  Last fall, life got in the way, so nature is currently getting the better of our greenery.

Vive La France ~~ The Gardens of Paris

The gardens of Paris have faced off the worst in history, yet they've survived and thrived.

Vive La France. 


We had the privilege of spending a fortnight in Paris, the City of Lights. 

The city is a garden. 

Every window box impeccable.  Each cobblestone a page from
history.

It will take far more than a few track suited cowards to diminish the ancient beauty of that magical place. 

The gardens speak for the people.



Marche en avant. 


Toujours.