Brutal

I think of this day and all those years at the nursery with a similar weather slap down. The high winds from the north and west accompanied with a drop in temperatures can be fretful. In a positive way I'm happy that the Callery (Bradford) pears will freeze in full bloom and not produce fruit, the invasive beast that it is. But sadly, it probably means a similar end to peach and cherry blossoms. 

Long ago at the nursery, perennial frames with potted plants were covered in overwintering fabric, depending on the thickness or grade, there were often 2 layers to protect them in winter. By this time they would be uncovered, all 73 frames that were 16 x 4' in size. The uncovering meant rolling the fabric up to rest on the west side of each frame so when all had to be recovered, there was a little assistance from west winds. On a day like today the task would seem monumental, especially when it came to weighing down the edges with cinderblocks. Between the wind and physical activity, it was exhausting. 

There were also greenhouses and cold frames. The wind slaps the plastic all day, a sound that takes some getting used to. As April is approaching, it would mean that all pansy/violas, maybe petunias, ranunculus, and possibly some salvias, would already have been moved outside. I used to call it "greenhouse constipation" because you can't stop the growing machine, shipments can't be stopped, seedlings have to be sown, cuttings taken. One particularly good year there was a forecast of 18" of snow. We moved all of the pansies out so the snow would cover them. As the days passed and the snow slowly melted away, the pansies appeared and they were perfect! They loved the constant 32 degrees. 

This shift in weather may not be the last, there can be nights of frost into May, but it's a pretty brutal turn. I don't have to worry about losing plants, affording the heating oil, or keeping the plastic on the houses now. Although there is still that unease which is hard to turn off. 

I imagine that many of you have covered some tender things, I prefer fabric over plastic (which has no insulating ability). When it's really bad I use a layer of plastic between 2 layers of fabric (like bed sheets). The hardest thing is keeping it secure, hence my cinderblocks. 

Gardening is definitely not for wimps. It's sometimes hard emotionally and physically, if not for some triumphs, we would quit! Hold on to your hat and wait for better days.

Comments

[Scott]

Don't blame me for those North winds!

Maybe, if you moved a little further South...

;-)

[Karen A Rexrode]

The perennial debate, south or north. And I will take your north winds in July and August, just like you'll take my south winds in April and May - right?!