THE BUDDHA BUDDIES AND I REMAIN up to our necks in wintry mess, with more to come. Send help, send ice-melt, send pick-axes, send drugs.
Out back (top), Big Buddha’s been trying on all manner of hats to stay warm.
Out front (above), Baby Buddha’s up to his beads in the white stuff. If the National Weather Service takes requests, like our favorite radio station does: We really prefer when it’s snowing magnolias (below). Can you please change that tune?
I WATCHED A ZOOM lecture the other day that really put into words a lot of the ways my own deepening understanding of ecology is shaking up the way I practice horticulture—from spring cleanup, right on to the last chore of the active year. The lecturer was Rebecca McMackin, director of horticulture for Brooklyn Bridge Park in New York City, where she leads the team that manages 85 acres of diverse parkland with a central focus on habitat creation of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows to build soils and support birds, butterflies, and other organisms.
We talked about the dynamic tactics they use and when and why–a whole different approach to spring cleanup, where the life cycles of animals (from insects on up) dictate what happens when, garden maintenance-wise. Like why some things don’t get cut back, and others that are still seed-laden when they do have their seeds collected and set aside, then returned to the spot after whatever cleanup is needed there.
(Stream it below, read the illustrated transcript or subscribe free.)
The good news: We are 2/3 of the way through winter. The bad news: Spring can’t come soon enough.
The good news is that February is a short month and then March will come in like a lion and out like a lamb. The garden will be green again.
Those photos are hilarious. I think you should consider producing a calendar of images from your garden.
What would Buddha do? That’s what you should do. They seem content in their circumstances, but then they seem content in all seasons…
Here in SW Michigan we’re expecting 35-40 degrees and sunny today. It’ll be heading to you in the next day or two!
–Johanna
He still has a great smile, maybe he knows something we do not. Like winter is nearly over.
It’s going to be in the low 30s today, so I am off to get the car washed. High on Tuesday is predicted at 12 degrees. Making hay during this brief warm moment. Seems like we’ve had below normal temps since November!
I can relate to all that snow.
wonderful images!
How are you, Jeremy? (And welcome.) I love how the statues are “Now you see us, now you don’t.” Like everything else here, from me to the light outside, they change by the moment…even though they have the quality of permanence because they are made of stone. Nice of you to stop in and say hello.
tried to make a snow cow the other day; looked like a snow turtle; moved real slow.
As for the drugs, have you checked out Niel’s post at Roses in Gardens? The video is almost scary.
I didn’t realize you were a celeb. After reading your sidebar, I need to do some clicking and see more. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to work for Martha Stewart. From what I’ve seen she is a serious plant lover too. I hope it warms up soon!
Amen! Our snow banks are around 6 ft high…I don’t have anywhere else to put the stuff! C’mon Mr. Groundhog…give me some good new.
Welcome, Jeremy. Though things are melting somewhat, I am holding my breath about a storm headed up from the Gulf of Mexico, supposedly, tomorrow night and Tuesday. National Weather isn’t being specific yet…which always makes me wonder. Yes, tomorrow is Groundhog Day, and I have my post ready all ready to deploy at 1 past midnight (even if he goes back in his hole and doesn’t want to read it). See you soon again.
That first photo is priceless.
We’ve had bitter winds but no snow — send me some!
I will try to bring some LA sunshine to you the first week in March. Your blog is the inspiration I need to meet the challenge of gardening in Columbia County.
Welcome, Chloe. After 20-something years, I think Columbia County is the best gardening territory in the USA. Don’t let those Pacific Northwest-ers or those mid-Atlantic-ers tell you otherwise. Here=perfection. Stick around, we will deal with any obstacles together.
He looks like a conehead. Shades of SNL! And the other reminds me of old Westerns where they bury the guy in sand and wait for the ants to come and finish him off.
The snow does weird things …
That Buddha photo just cracks me up. I agree with Gina…You should make a calendar with photos from your garden! If you do, I am sure we would ALL buy one!
Thanks, Theresa Loe, and welcome. You are all right…now if only I had those 4 or 6 other hands I am lacking. It would be a hilarious calendar, the many faces of Buddha. Thanks for visiting and do come again.
Just think though… JANUARY’S OVER!!!!!
How lovely to find you and what a deeply satisfying photo, particularly at the moment. In my part of the world I am in the midst of a heatwave, cooling images are warmly welcome!
Welcome, Nanette. Did you say heatwave? I guess the grass is always greener on the other side, but that sounds divine. See you soon again.
Yeah, sorry, Margaret. It’s a robust 80 degrees here. In no way do I want to be battling freezing weather, but geez! A little cooling and wetness would not be unwelcome.
Are you there, Mother Nature? It’s me, Mars. I curse your high pressure!
Hey, anyone check out the moon last night or get any pics? Pretty spectacular, I must say.
The moon has indeed been amazing, Mars, and so many close encounters with Venus the last month, too. I have been watching up here, bundled up in my woolies.
I’m not sure how my warm weather buddha’s would fare in all that snow! I’m so glad to see that their East coast cousins are still smiling with a white blanket of cold.
Thank you for the great pictures.