Oh No Snow!

This is what I woke up to yesterday morning. What a disappointment after all the nice 

weather we have been spoiled with.

I immediately went outside to check on my plants which were covered with snow.

Oh the hostas.... I know they cannot tolerate this. 

I think the lambs ear will be ok...

and the bergenia should be fine.

But... Oh the hostas!

Well we should know in a few days what sort of damage there is. Also, to top it off today I woke up to FROST! So there I was before I even had my morning coffee spraying my plants with water. I heard this somehow helps. I don't know why but it was worth a try. Anything to save my plants... I know I'm obsessed, but what can one do.

I promised an update on my pond filtration system and how it has worked, so here is a before and after. It has really cleared up. I believe it is largely due to the UV light filter, but the colder weather could be helping also. Hopefully when the weather warms up it will remain that way.

FROST, What a Killjoy

Look what the frost did to my hosta. I was so disappointed to see how it was damaged. Hopefully I can cut off the injured leaves and it will come back. 

And then there is this pure wisteria bud...it never made it to flower.

Here is another sad little fellow. I was looking so forward to seeing these flowers.

But then as I was inspecting the plant closer I found a lone survivor. That made my day.

After the Rain

Everything always looks so nice and fresh after a rain. Here is a view of the patio from the deck, with my old weathered adirondack chairs replaced with some of my patio furniture from the deck. It looks more inviting with the adirondacks but I just can't seem to get them to last in this weather. Someday I hope to splurge and buy the recycled plastic ones, that look just like wood.

I've been working hard at protecting my sum & substance hosta from the frost and it is looking great. Now we just have to get through this cold spell.

The lady's mantel always looks good after a rain with the water droplets on its leaves. It is a spring favourite with it's lushness.

A closer look at an oriental lily. I like them because you can stick them almost anywhere for a bit of colour and the foliage looks good all season.

The pasque flower seed heads just call out to be photographed.

My iberis candytuft has come back well after almost loosing it last year to winter kill. I started this plant from seed (courtesy OSC Seeds) 18 years ago now, and am glad to see that it is still going strong.

The catmint is in it's prime.

Another view of the rock garden. The gardens are filling out nicely now.

I love the way the ferns uncurl.

I was trying to take a picture of the apple blossoms but Codie kept getting in the way so I gave up and took a picture of her instead. 

Frost!

We had frost Wednesday night. Luckily I was on the ball and covered up my favourite hosta. Unlike last year when it suffered greatly from frost damage.

This is what was under the sheet. Hosta sum & substance one of the largest leafed hostas. It's large leaves are very dramatic in the garden and add a nice contrast to the other plants in the garden.

This is the same garden 24 hours later and the hosta is suffering no ill effects. That's Codie dancing through the forget-me-nots.

The apple blossoms are about to burst.

I am so excited the plum tree is full of blossoms. This is the second summer I have had the tree. Last year I got one plum - it was delicious! Hopefully this year I will have more to share.

I believe it is called a stanley plum. This is what it should look like in September.
(in my dreams)

Not only cats like the catmint.

This spurge looks good with the pasque flower in the background that has gone to seed. 

Here is a closer look at that beautiful seed head.

Now I think I better go outside and cover up that hosta again. I'm taking no chances.

I hope I can find it in the dark. I also hope my neighbours don't see me... they already think I'm a bit crazy. I don't want them to think I'm gardening in the dark, although that is not a bad idea..... gotta go

Blooms Away!

The rock cress has just started to open along the south facing wall behind the garage.

I bought this plant at a roadside nursery on the way to the cottage. The woman who sold it to me called it a pea plant. I wish I new it's real name.

I love the lime green colour of this spurge.

This honeybells hosta is always the first to leaf out in the spring. Last year it suffered terribly from frost bite - I'll have to keep an eye on the weather and cover it this year.

This bergenia looks pretty even with it's winter leaf damage.

These tulips pictured earlier are now fully open in all there glory.

Why can't I remember what this is called?  Hmmmmmmm... I know it will come to me sooner or later.