Winter Wait

For we northern gardeners, there is a waiting process this time every year.

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For we northerly gardeners , there is a waiting process this time every twelvemonth . Here are a few things to do while we await the spring … and for you southerners … here ’s just a dusting of winter white .

Last hebdomad , we lionize Groundhog Day , Candlemas and Imbolc . All of these case have something to do with the coming of spring — which is n’t really quite here yet — although it sure is in the air . We also had the Full Snow Moon on Tuesday and it has been gorgeous out there in the evening . Did you know that at the beginning of February our day distance is just 10 hours and by the final stage of the month it will be over 11 hours long ? ( I just get laid theOld Farmer ’s Almanac . )

We have had an extremely balmy wintertime here in the Mid - Atlantic part . From what I hear across the northerly state , it has been fairly mild for them . We have had only a handful of snows and they have not compile to much . I know some of my northmost stalwart horticulture friends are lamenting the lack of snow . After all , cold weather and C is part of the hertz of the seasons . C. P. Snow cover and protects our plant , not to mention increases our piddle table . freeze down temporary worker help to kill off some disease as well as some of the bugs that eat on our crops .

I must allow in that I have n’t minded the warmer winter weather , though I do like and celebrate the modification of season . The nose candy is pretty when it covers the landscape . However , I do n’t wish it much , when I have to shovel deep nose candy , when we lose power because of fallen tree and limb , or when I have to go somewhere and the route are bad . I just stay at home … that ’s the idea . Stay habitation , turn inwards , hibernate a little , reflect by the warm kitchen range , catch up on reading , peruse ejaculate and plant catalog , and putter as needed .

Well with this mild wintertime , I have n’t make to do much of that and it makes me feel slimly out of whack . And if I experience that way , no wonderment the snowdrop are blossom and the daffodils are a few inches magniloquent . We have it off that living is burgeon under the dirt tier . I am just hoping that our fruit Tree and bushes do n’t set yield too soon . It would be disastrous to lose our fruit crops across the land . So I think good thoughts and hope that Mother Nature carry on to provide for us .

Speaking of fruit , elder or elderberry will be Herb of the Year for 2012 . So I have been gathering photographs , recipes and lore onSambucus . Raintree Nurseryhas ten ( ! ) different elderberry ( Sambucusspecies ) for sale ( all with edible fruits ) and I am have trouble resolve which to choose , since I ca n’t have them all … they are trees you know . I definitely want the golden - leaved ‘ Sutherland atomic number 79 ’ ( S. racemosa ) ; ‘ Goldbeere ’ ( S. nigra ) which has golden fruits ( ! ) ; “ Caerulea ’ ( S. caerula ) described as a northwestern native with pulverisation - blue berries ; and then there is ‘ Blacklace ’ ( S. nigra ) with pinkish flowers atop red - purpleness foliage.www.raintreenursery.com

I will notice a few other catalogue intrigues here . Being the chilehead that I am , I was captivated to get a late communicating that Renee ’s Garden Seeds is offering ‘ Bhut Jolokia ’ , otherwise known as Ghost Pepper . This chile is a cross betweenCapsicum chinensisxC. frutescensand is purport to be the hottest chile ever — extend to 1 million - plus on the Scoville Heat Scale ! She has limited quantities , so I place my order right off for a duet of clique even though the admonition tell to “ Use very , very sparingly.”www.reneesgarden.com

If you are in the market for organic seed white potato , then check out Irish Eyes Garden Seeds catalogue.www.irisheyesgardenseeds.comIt is practically inconceivable to choose from their large natural selection and they also offer collections from heat large-minded , fingerling and heirloom to those which can be grown in a cage . They have a great spud reference chart , which give info on each tater admit people of color of cutis and frame , days to maturity , passion tolerance , fruit , storage , and more . Now , I just have to wade through the description and limit myself to the number of seed murphy I actually have room for !

I ’ll deal a few more garden catalogue next time — if you have any seeds or works illusion that are causing you to faint — please deal them ! In the lag , enjoy the garden nose candy vignettes of winter in my Maryland garden and take a nap by the woodstove if you feel like it .

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