This winter feels interminable. Surely in earlier years daffodils have been blooming by now, snowdrops long gone.
Well, no. It’s true that in some years snowdrops have appeared by this date.
These snowdrops were shivering in the cold on April 1, 2016.
Crocus have bloomed.
These crocus were lighting up the hillside on April 4, 2010.
Pulmonaria have added their touch of colour.
This pulmonaria or lungwort was blooming on April 4, 2010.
But it is also true that this April is better than some. A lot better.
This photo from April 7, 2013 shows a very wintery garden.
Last year in early April, the crabapple allée was snow-free and the central path, still unseeded, a straight line of mud.
Snow lingered in the ditches alongside the crabapple allée on April 2, 2018.
This year on exactly the same date, patchy snow still covered the field around the crabapple allée. But at least this year the path will soon be green.
I took this photo a week ago, on April 2. It looks much the same now.
Comparing photos from different years gives me hope. The photo below from a few years ago shows magnolia in the Lower Garden in full bloom on April 23. And that’s only two weeks away.
Spring came early in 2012.
Whatever the weather, though, these guys will still be hanging around, looking like they own the world.
Luckily deer don’t like barberry bushes. Otherwise those shrubs would be stubs.
Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.
Your April 7, 2013 garden looks a lot like my April 9, 2019 garden. I spent an hour today shoveling, and it is snowing again this evening. But your photo of the blooming magnolia tree reminds me that the last remnants of snow are always gone from my garden by May 1, and they will be this year, too. Looking forward to promised temperatures in the sixties (F) and lots of melting on Saturday.
Knowing that snow will melt is something, at least. But I find April snowfalls are discouraging. Bring on the warmer days!
It’s so wonderful to have those records, I think, just as I think we’re having an early or late spring — well, I can look back on my posts, as you have, in your lovely post.
I hope winter continues to diminish and spring continues to appear for you — of course, it will, but I’m hoping for sooner rather than later.
I’m definitely hoping for sooner rather than later, too.
Daren’t say we’ve been having an early spring…….Much sympathy and encouragement to emigrate!! XXxxx
The idea of starting a new garden makes me want to go behind the sofa and cover my eyes. How daunting it would be to do that. And how exciting.
New garden? Hmm.. see your point. Not possible! Xx
How is the sap running these days?
almost over for the season. but a good year after an unpromising start.
Chin up, Buttercup!
If I could smile back with an emoticon, I would. Instead I’ll say that everything’s coming up roses. Eventually. Happy spring, Kathy!