Oh yeah, baby! Those perennials are coming up next to the apartment building's foundation - it's warmer there - west side. That's all I need to know that spring is on its way. I assume we'll get more cold and snow. It doesn't matter. Every day brings us closer to warmth and sun.
What first got my attention were a few green spots on the backyard's turf (which was buried under two feet of snow a couple of weeks ago). Our cold season grasses and early perennials are accustomed to our climate. Go, plants, go!
Your picture sent me out into the frigid air to check around the perimeter. Nothing too much happening here. The hens and chicks (extremely hardy fare) on the western side of the house, next to the thermal mass of brick, are.... maybe, turning more green. Everything else is dead, brown or still under the smallish piles of snow. Brrrr!
ReplyDeleteMicroclimate - I'm near the lake. My mom used to be even closer. I remember cutting the grass on her house's southern side in March but not having to start elsewhere until late April.
ReplyDeleteOur backyard is quite protected. This year I'm putting in my tomatoes in Mid-may instead of waiting until the end of the month.
Speaking of microclimate, one of the reasons that the Chicago Botanic Garden is so beautiful is because of the microclimate they have. They're about half a hardiness zone warmer than us, and their microclimate allows them to push the envelope with plants that wouldn't survive here.
I've looked into going to the Chicago Botanical Gardens. I just don't know the best way to get there. One of these days....I think it is too far off the Metra line?
ReplyDeleteI always regret not putting my tomato plants in earlier. By the time I'm sure it is safe, it is usually a couple weeks beyond what I could have gotten away with.
Nice sign of Spring!! I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteI think you can walk from the Metra, kk, but it's a hike. I always drove down on 41.
ReplyDeleteOooo Orbs, that picture made my day.. so nice to see some sign of spring.. It will still be awhile before we see anything, still covered in about 6in of snow.. the snow has melted away from the roads now anyways so that is always a good sign.. The part of spring I look forward to is when they start going around with the street cleaners to come clean up all this sand and gravel they use during the winters.. I get so tired of stepping on little stones that find their way into the house..
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they would grow faster if it weren't for "Party on John".
ReplyDeletehow encouraging to see signs that the end of winter is really coming, eventually. I've never been to Chicago's Botanical Gardens but it sounds pretty cool!
ReplyDeleteI can see buds on our front tree, that's always a good thing
Anon, it's "Party on, lying John!"
ReplyDeleteDo you really think he's messing up our landscape, too? I suppose so, with that lead and asbestos from the NSP blowing all over the place. Hmm.
LM, Chicago Botanic Garden is a great place to visit. The food there is very pricey, though, so packing your own lunch might be considered.
Go, tree buds!