My blog post today for the MainLine Gardening community focuses on three flowering plants, two annuals and one perennial, that tolerate and even thrive in cool and cold weather. The local university, Longwood University, plants beautiful displays of pansies as early as February, as does the local shopping center. It really cheers you up on a gray winter day to drive by and see something blooming.
In my garden today, heather and pansies are blooming alongside crocus and daffodils. I didn’t add my perennial candytuft to the list on MainLine Gardening, mostly because I think mine is sitting in a little protected micro climate bubble. It’s in an unusual spot with the slate walkway in front reflecting southern and western sunlight and heat, and sheltered by the overhang from the front porch. I think those two factors keep it nice and snug and encouraged it to bloom all winter long. It took a rest in November and December, but in January the candytuft began blooming again. Someone asked me if I’d placed a fake silk flower out front – they thought it wasn’t real! It’s pretty amazing.
I also wrote an article yesterday for Hub Pages on How to Choose Trees for Your Yard. I think you will find that one interesting and I included links to many resources as well as a video. Enjoy!
Panies blooming in February |