A northern garden at winter rest
In northern gardens, the winter brings a period of deep rest – a time of hibernation or just plain frozen solid resting. The layers of snow in my garden insulate and shelter life below the surface. The temperatures this winter have been unusually low. Much of the time our winter temperature range has been well below the average, which is cold enough in a normal year. On New Year’s Eve 2013, as we began a fresh start for the year, it warmed up during the day to -29 C. The overnight low dropped to -38 C. Wind chill takes things down another notch. I have been outside in the afternoon sunshine today to get the right angle on a couple of winter photos so that you can see the seasonal changes. I ran out with my coat undone and bare feet inside too-big shoes, and thought how very fortunate I was to have a warm house steps away.
I haven’t seen the birds flitting through my yard this winter. I am hoping that my feathered friends are able to fend for themselves through this tough winter, finding sufficient food and shelter while waiting for this cold spell to break and spring to arrive.
Today is March 1, and it is -26 C outside. Normally the ice sculptures for our local winter festival would be distorted from a predictable February melt, and the skaters would begin to check the ice ratings before skating on the rivers. Not so this spring – the scultpures are unspoiled and the river ice is rock solid.
It is safe to say that the garden will remain at rest for many weeks to come. When I selected these winter and summer contrast photos for you to enjoy, I always feel moved by the changes we witness each year, as the contrast is quite stunning when laying photographs side by side.
We are approaching the March equinox, when the tilt of the earth ensures that the hours of light and dark will be equally split. Days will be warmer, the plants will begin to benefit from the increase in light, and the cycle of life in the garden will begin anew. As the deep drifts of snow recede, the small creatures that enrich the garden will begin to awaken, reproduce, and go about their daily routines.
I love the deep rest of winter. I am, though, ready to enjoy the light of spring, warmer days, and the routine garden tasks that await me as I look after this small piece of the bigger picture.
To view my “take heart, summer will come” photo gallery, click on any image. To advance, click on the right side of the photograph.
