Brown and lifeless plants don’t hold my interest as much. Many lack any distinguishable form or shape – just dead things standing upright with maybe some seeds or pods at their tips – not very captivating; let the birds take what’s left, although some may still offer some color; ultimately this viewpoint might just lead to disappointment! Admittedly this might not be fair.
Now if there’s snow on the plants, that’s an altogether different story – pure magic! Even Elizabeth would probably agree that the recent blizzard that hit Buffalo had its own special charm. Many residents in the northern tier of states admit to wishing for snow cover despite its challenges; even just a bit would do – what we refer to as “pretty snow.” (This concept might seem alien to those from warmer climates). Recent years in our region have been marked by few heavy snows. Snowshoeing enthusiasts often require six inches or more for effective shoeing, yet recently there has been little evidence of snow accumulation on the ground for us snowshoers to enjoy the sport. Perhaps global warming is to blame here: Buffalo-style blizzards may not be welcome either – while barren ground, gray skies and brown vegetation don’t bode well either! Are multiple pretty snowfalls too much to ask?
My experience shows me that dead and dormant plants covered with snow are much prettier than their counterparts in bare ground. Winter requires at least some snowfall for added “winter interest,” though mother nature offers us different forms of beauty at various times and places.
As any gardener does, I long for spring. With each new sunrise comes an adventure waiting to happen – discovering what new growth awaits me! Each change of season brings something different; spring may be my favorite but winter often leaves me shell-shocked. When my friend offered some perennial plants from her garden with white blooms as gifts I politely declined; meaning more accurately that enough white stuff had already made its presence known to me!
