LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, February 6, 2012

But It's Way Too Early

Daisy spends all her time outside along with several other pottery friends.  Even she is amazed.  But she doesn't seem at all concerned.  In fact, that is Daisy's most endearing feature.  No matter what the weather and no matter what the mood she still looks up at me with her happy friendly smile.

Why is Daisy amazed?  Because we have had too long a spell of above-normal temperatures.  While Daisy cannot be fooled by the weather, some of my favorite plants can.

Daisy makes me smile no matter what mood I am in.




The Lenten Roses are several weeks early around here.







We planted camellias knowing full well that we are on the cusp of their growing area.  Some years we see gorgeous blossoms and some years we see buds that get cold, turn brown, and drop off.  This week is far too soon for the camellias to have a chance.

 This bud is ready to burst forth.



 The limbs are heavy and full of buds.


 And we have some open blossoms!



So I will enjoy our flowers albeit a little early and I suspect for a shorter while.  The lengthy warm weather is a minor inconvenience to my plants.  It can be devastating to farmers and their fields and orchards.  Apple trees may blossom out only to be killed by a heavy freeze.  So, as much I have really enjoyed the warmer weather, we really need to get back to normal temperatures.  And soon.




18 comments:

animal lover, quilt lover said...

It is way to warm, way too early!!!!! Things are going to get messed up for sure!!!! WE have a bed of strawberries
full of blooms and the berries are going to form and then it will freeze and mess up the poor plants timing!!!
Very sad!!!!

Rudee said...

I've been enjoying the relatively beautiful Detroit weather, but realize paucity of snow will have an effect on land and on the Great Lakes.

Still, I've only shoveled once. It was a quick little Alberta Clipper that dropped 3 inches of snow. I shoveled it off the drive and walkways and by the next day, it had all melted.

I will guiltily admit that this year, since I have no vacation plans, I'm enjoying winter in Michigan. Compared to last year's never ending snowfalls, this is a treat.

Taradharma said...

camillas do well in a vase -- so if the weather starts to get cold, clip them and bring them inside.

We, too, are experiencing unusually warm weather. Sierra snow pack is very low but luckily last year was a big one, so there is still lots of melt in the reservoirs.

KGMom said...

I think most everywhere in the eastern U.S. we are being "treated" to warmer weather. Pardon the quotation marks--I am a fan of winter and am missing the crisp cold and sparkling snow.
I know, I know--I am an odd duck--sort of like Daisy?

Ms. A said...

I've been seeing some buds and blooms, too. While it is a pleasant perk to the unseasonably warm winter, a freeze could very likely nip them in the bud.

I Love Daisy!!! How cute!

George said...

We are having above-normal temperatures as well. Almost all of our plants are way ahead of schedule. I hate to think about what is going to happen in the weeks ahead. And we don't have Daisy to help us feel better about things.

Cheryl said...

I agree....I was so pleased when the weather turned colder here. I still have 4 inches of snow on the ground:)

I love Daisy, she made me smile, tku.

Your hellebores are way ahead of mine....they top my favourites list.

Arkansas Patti said...

Same thing is happening here. A few years ago it did the same. Then we had a killer frost late in the year that really messed up everyones garden. Also the wildlife were robbed of food.
Hoping we don't get one of those this year.

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

Hope your Camellias continue to grow and bloom their heads off. My Hellebore are blooming now too.

The Bug said...

Last week's unseasonable warmth has finally yielded to colder temps this week, AND we might see a snowflake tomorrow. I can only hope. (Please disregard previous years' grumbling about snow & cold).

Tipper said...

My Lenten roses bloomed earlier than ever before. I'm worrying about the fruit trees-and bushes-hoping they don't bud out only to get bit by a late frost

Anonymous said...

Looks like we're all waiting for a late winter freeze. Not that we want one, but it's hard to imagine an entire winter season passing without a single snowflake. Here in California if we don't get the precipitation now, we don't get it. It does not rain in the summer. We're all waiting...

Dawn Fine said...

Wow..things are blooming too soon all over! Well at least Daisy doesn't mind..hee hee...very cute!

Busy Bee Suz said...

I agree with you on the 'too warm' part!
Daisy is so cute...made me smile too.

Carolina Linthead said...

I LOVE Daisy. We're kin...it's obvious. I'm very worried about budding trees and flowers that are pushing up too soon. What a strange non-winter, especially when compared to fairly hard winters the last two years. It happens, and probably will happen more often as we continue to warm. We'll pay a price...just hope it isn't too high in the near term. In the long term...you and I won't live to see it, but I weep over what seems to be coming, and the criminal disregard of ample warnings.

troutbirder said...

Ah! Plants are blooming and its spring in the mountain. The way things are going around here (a record breaking warm Jan.) spring maybe be arriving here 6 weeks early as well. On the other hand..... :)

Vicki Lane said...

Oh, I'm tempted to plant a camellia...

Ruth said...

We have not needed to use the snowblower once this "winter". It is nice to see the blooms and I hope your plants do well.