By the time March 31, 2010 rolls around, we wouldn’t be surprised to see fish swimming in the wakes of wading turkeys! Well, OK, it isn’t that bad…there have been dry periods…but rain will begin again tomorrow and is forecast to last until Wednesday; a long soaking rain. It’s a good thing we live on a big hill! Even so, we’ve had puddles in the yard that normally do not see puddles; there is a steady stream flowing across our basement floor to the sump pump; and our field nearly caught its first pick-up truck in the mud! But unlike these minor problems, many people living in the floodplains of some of Rhode Island’s rivers are likely in for their third round of significant flooding this month.
Daffodil troops at attention
Despite the rain, and the freezing temperatures that came in over the weekend for a visit like unwelcome relatives, spring is marching onward at Gleaner Gardens. The gardens have merely paused for a bit.
Forsythia buds on their way to opening
Maple buds, Forsythia, and spice bush all were ready to burst in to flower, as were our deciduous Rhodies (the “Macronulatum”), but they all stopped short of opening.
Micronulatum buds are ready to pop!
Many of the daffodils were growing like gangbusters, but they also are in pause-mode. Honeysuckle and choke berry bushes are starting to slowly leaf out, testing the waters so to speak. The cool temperatures and rain will likely keep things slow, but if things warm up again by next weekend, look out! There will be a flurry of blooming!
Look Ma, no leaves! (yet)
So until the gray skies again part to allow the sun in, think warm, dry thoughts and keep an eye to the ground or on the branches…you never know what might change next!
Gleaner Gardens 