Early Bloomers

taken March 1, 2012

2012 March in the Mid-Willamette Valley has more than lived up to its reputation.  Came in with snow, which is fairly rare here any time of the year.  Then 60 degrees, now snow this morning and it's to be 60 degrees again by the end of this week.  Tonight it supposed to get down to 27 degrees, another fairly unusual low even for the dead of winter, tomorrow night 30 degrees.

Tiny baby bell pink fuschia,
a herbaceous perennial
taken March 6, 2012

In most of my herbaceous perennials, pruning should take place before the life starts flowing up the stems.  This year, it hasn't been done.  The snow has melted and the sweet green tips that are holding their heads to the sun today will have no protection against tonight's predicted subzero  temperature.  The shears will soon find them gone; I hope the cold causes their sap to return to their roots and damage will not be too severe.

taken March 6, 2012

taken March 6, 2012

only 6-8 inches tall, taken March 6, 2012

For my sweet early bloomers this is what they were created for - the unpredictable temperatures of March.  The crocus, sweet little snow drops and miniature daffodils will brave the stiffness of the cold night and come back waving in the predicted warm late winter winds.

taken March 6, 2012

Indoors, the east facing plant window comes to life with palest pink and salmon colored crab cacti and African violets.

taken March 6, 2012

 

This is reminding me of God's ministry of love and care for His children:  beauty in strength for those who are able to weather winter's storms, controlled environment for those in need of constant care and protection, and expert pruning for those ready to bring new fruit in the height and heat of the coming harvest season.



taken March 6, 2012

"Do not awaken love before its time."  paraphrase of Song of Solomon 8:4b