Real Georgia Snow

By Skeeter I had been so envious of all the pretty pictures on the blogs and through e-mails from family and friends of their beautiful snow falls this winter. You see, we here in the Deep South of Georgia, must rely on such pictures as we just do not receive snow in the winter. My Georgia Garden may see a few freezing temps but this year has been somewhat different. We have had lots of freezing night temps and now a beautiful freak snow fall as well.... When I say a Freak Snow Fall, I mean it as we had a measurement of 6.75 inches of snow in my Georgia Garden!

Look at the beautiful views I was seeing with my own eyes!I was sitting on the swing just a few hours before it became cold and the snow started to fall. I would have a cold bottom if sitting there in this picture. ha
The beautiful white blanket covered the Butterfly Bushes and turned them into a white mound. I am not worried about the butterfly bushes as I will prune them in spring. Don't know if you can see it or not but the telephone line had been pulled away from the house and lying in the middle of the bushes. The Saint got his trusty ladder and repaired that one. Looking upward to the trees and the blue background of the sky was awesome!

Luckily our driveway did not have too much snow on it as the asphalt was still warm from the recent rains. It really did not matter though as we knew the snow was coming so we had run our errands the day before. We could stay home and enjoy the views. Plus, in the south when it snows, it is best to stay home as most do not have a clue how to drive in it.Our front woods looked like a winter wonderland!
I so like the snow on the pine trees with the blue sky.

I was not too happy to see my Loquat sagging from the heavy snow. A little tapping from my trusty broom and she is once again standing tall.
The Japanese Maple Tree, Camellias and Hedge were stout enough to take the weight but the Nandina's were not too happy. I knew they would be okay so I let them enjoy their blanket.
The poor Nandina (to the front) was a mere blob of snow.

The Azaleas were all lying down but I have way too many to save so I let them be and crossed my fingers for the best.Here is a close up of one of the Azaleas. I hope this pretty snow will not affect them in the spring as I am expecting many pretty blooms.
The creek was really pretty flowing with a white bank.
Look at my poor Dogwood budding out with snow on her branches. Yikes!
Our street is full of woods and so beautiful with snow covered trees. Ah, such smiles to my face. See how low the power lines were? Not our power lines and luckily, we never lost power during this snow.
The snow did not stop the deer from coming into our yard. Prints told that story.
I had to check on my buddy Harley in the pasture across the street. He was not too sure what to think of the snow.

As I strolled back up our driveway, I was in awe of this view! The Saints Bald Cypress Tree (to the right) looked like a German Christmas Tree. Ah, the memories of our German Winters.The Crepe Myrtle looked more like a Weeping Willow Tree then a Myrtle.

Since this Crepe Myrtle is in the line of our moving autos, she must keep her shape. I feared she would be harmed from the heavy snow so I had to take action. Click the Video to see what I did to help my friend.

This would be part two of helping my beloved tree.

All this pretty white fluff was gone within hours of these pictures being snapped. Sigh but to be expected with climbing temps. It was here for a short time but I was so happy to see REAL GEORGIA SNOW, In the Garden...

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team, In the Garden

Trees With and Without Leaves in Winter

From In the Garden

What is a gardener to do in the winter when the garden is asleep, the trees are bare, the sun is low and it is just too cold to garden? Well, take pictures of course and see what is interesting in the garden even without the dressings of the spring, summer and fall garden seasons.

One of my most indispensable type of trees in my garden are Japanese maples. I am most fond of them because of their colors, their growth habit, their form, structure and year round interest. A very special tree is my 'Sango Kaku' Japanese maple, aka Coral Bark Japanese maple, aka Christine's Tree. Can you see from the above picture why it is called the Coral Bark Japanese maple?

During the cold of winter the newer limbs of the Coral Bark Japanese maples can glow with a vivid red color. They are really colorful against a blue sky or neutral background. The neutral background in this case is an oak tree that holds on to its leaves all winter (I believe it is a Willow Oak).

Just look around for interest in the garden. You don't need fancy or special trees in order to have interest. Interest is everywhere-you need only look. Trees are one of the most valuable resources we have in this world (in my humble opinion). They are more precious than the most precious mineral or gem because they provide us with so much-think shade, oxygen, moderation of temperatures, beauty, and value. Trees are a renewable resource but one that takes many many years to replace and I don't know about you, but I only have one lifetime and I want to enjoy my trees-now-so I take care of my trees and value them each day.

Some interesting trees during the winter include: sycamores, J. maples, birch trees, all evergreens, hickories, Kentucky coffee bean tree, oaks, crabapples, pines, magnolias, sumacs, junipers, beeches, and many more. These trees don't necessarily need leaves to provide interest in the garden.

What types of trees do you find interesting in the winter and why?

Words and Photos Property of In the Garden Blog Team,

In the Garden