While the sun was making one of its rare appearances I grabbed my camera and took a few photos to record just how dire March 2013 has been.
Back at the beginning of March I posted about how our hydrangea quercifolia hadn't lost its leaves and was masquerading as an evergreen. Not any more it isn't! The recent spell of horrendous weather has taken its toll. The stems are still green under the outer bark so I now have to hope it recovers its determination to survive.
I've already posted about the tardiness of our camellia in producing any flowers. Our pieris is managing to produce some flowers but nothing like the amount that it usually does and it generally looks rather sorry for itself.
The perennials in the white and blue willow screen border should be starting to put on a floral display but so far only the white pulmonaria is making an effort and then it is only really a token effort.
The crab apple that overshadows this bed is also well behind...
Posts
Amazing difference in how far behind everything is but a shame when plants get damaged... our much smaller Magnolia here is looking v. sorry for itself with all it's buds gone brown - luckily most things haven't suffered too much but I think your weather a lot worse. Good to see you've got some sets in the allotment though... I've done nothing on the veggie front yet - next weekend is earmarked for starting things off! Have a good week and lets hope the warm sun returns..
ReplyDeleteWe have made a bit of a start Miranda by sowing some seeds in the greenhouse
DeleteMy garden is looking pretty much the same - quite depressing really - makes you wonder if all the plants will pull through.
ReplyDeleteI does, Elaine, It the plants don't survive we will just have to look upon it as an opportunity to buy more!
DeleteYour poor pieris compared to two years ago! I have the same variety as in your picture and mine looks the same. I am hoping there will be an upside in that this year they will start their lovely red foliage later and that it will not be scorched by late frosts.
ReplyDeleteThis cold scorching wind we have been having has done a lot of damage here in Yorkshire!
I have found the spring bulbs have stood up to the cold very well. As you know I have some pictures of them on my recent post!
Roger
That would be a compensation, Roger. We're in Yorkshire too but West to your North so maybe not quite as bad off as you.
DeleteI've started to see real signs of spring and I am hoping that there are no more cold snaps because that will really kill everything off. I've started working in my greenhouse but still giving everything extra protection just in case. Let's hope by May bank holiday all this doom and gloom will be a thing of the past and our gardens will be 'dancing' again! Take care. Chel x
ReplyDeleteThat would be good Chel - a lovely spring and summer to make up for the last 12 months!
DeleteWhat a lovely blog you have.....I'm glad I found you! xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Snowbird - I hope to see you back again!
DeleteThat is one huge difference across the whole spectrum of plants isn't it. My garden is pretty similar, everything is way behind where it usually is.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your Hydrangea survives Sue.
Linda
I hope so too, Linda
DeleteSuch an interesting post seeing the comparison between the years. I've been looking back at pictures from last year to get some ideas of when things should be happening, and they are nowhere near yet!
ReplyDeleteEverything is about a month behind, Jo.
DeleteGood to have a record, so that next year you can remind yourself that - hopefully - things are lots better! It is an awkward year to be seeing a ewn garden for the first time in Spring, as I don't really have a good feeling for when things would normally be bursting in to growth or flowering. Ah well!
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult for you, Janet.
DeleteLovely white pulmonaria. I looked at ours this morning and noticed how small the leaves are compared with last year - they definitely like the moisture.
ReplyDeleteOurs just seem to be getting going now Bilbo.
Delete