* * * Winter Week in Wisconsin! * * *

A naked landscape during December in Southeastern Wisconsin seemed wrong… 

where was our SNOW??? 

The entire month of December 2023 passed without a snowfall in our area, which is quite rare.  

This trend continued into the first week of January, causing those who wanted to ice skate, snowshoe or snowmobile some sad days.  

As we approached the second week of January, weather forecasts warned of a massive cold front with snow, which would affect several states simultaneously.  

This forecast caused sadness for some, BUT smiles and anticipation for the snow aficionados in our state!

Winter week in Wisconsin is here!  

An entire month’s worth of ice, snow and sub-zero temps occurred the second week of January.  Some areas (like our backyard…) received 12 to 18 inches of snow within a few days, accompanied by fierce winds. 

With sub-zero temps each night, this snow will likely remain with us for some time… our landscape no longer appears naked and is fully clothed in a thick blanket of ice and snow.

Dense snow cover can be beneficial to all our dormant perennials, shrubs and trees.  

While an ICE GLAZE isn’t great for plants, SNOW can insulate the soil and maintain a cold, frozen state for those root systems underground.  

Freezing temps often are NOT the cause of Zone 4 or 5 plants dying, but freeze-thaw cycles can be extremely harmful!

***An ice coating can be especially harmful to conifers mainly if humans try to intervene! One of my horticulture instructors reminded us NEVER to knock off icicles from branch tips of our pines and spruces.  

The branches may struggle under the weight of the snow load, but if ice has formed beneath the snow, more damage can be caused by human intervention.

Thankfully, this massive storm front was followed by a high-pressure system which provided blue skies with sunshine to sparkle the fresh snow.  The air was crisp and fresh each day, and those who care to brave the cold could enjoy being outdoors.

People who prefer being indoors can start perusing seed catalogs and begin planning for springtime planting.  

Indoor enthusiasts can also enjoy watching birds frolicking at their feeders.  (Just a reminder, if you choose to put feeders in your yard, you must keep them clean and filled!  Not a huge task to perform, but a vital service to those hungry finches and woodpeckers who visit each day…)

Allow me to share my favorite Albert Einstein quote to end today’s blog:

“Snowflakes are the fairy dust of winter.”

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture

Months of Magnificent Memories!

 

As we cross the threshold into a New Year, I have mixed feelings about letting go of some magnificent memories from 2023.  Although this year was peppered with some moments I’d rather forget, I try to focus on happy thoughts and pleasant memories from the year past… a year which now lingers in our rearview mirror.

Spring and summer months provided sufficient warmth for children and adults to enjoy their warm weather activities. In addition, our flowers and fruits, veggies and herbs had enough warmth and sunshine to thrive and provide much joy each time I walked through the garden gate.

September and October offered gentle weather in Southeast Wisconsin, with ideal conditions allowing autumn foliage to remain on many trees through late October.  Even November days were often warmer/sunnier than usual.  The most difficult condition during our 2023 growing season was a lack of consistent rainfall.   Supplemental watering was necessary to encourage plants to stay alive and thrive.

December weather was quite unusual with only a few snow flurries making an appearance.  In Wisconsin I like to say we measure SNOW in feet—not inches— but that adage was incorrect in December 2023.   It seems odd to witness green turf grass in backyards at this time of year.   Parsley and cilantro continue to grow actively in my herb garden in late December, and I continue to harvest for culinary use.

For me, December offers magnificent memories every year… the joy of hanging each ornament on our Christmas tree is both special and memorable.  Over a lifetime I have received ornaments from relatives, neighbors, and co-workers—often handmade.  Each is a special keepsake that reminds me of the person who gifted me with a memorable ornament they made or bought.  I enjoy those ornaments (and those memories) each time I select just the right branch to display that tiny treasure!

In a World that exhibits more than its share of craziness and selfish behavior, it is refreshing when I can sift through the negativity and pause to appreciate a simple pleasure, like an ornament provided by a thoughtful friend or neighbor. 

My wish for each of our Goodness in the Garden readers:  

As you cross the threshold into 2024, I wish you blessings of peace, joy, courage, and health… may your journey be filled with wonder and beauty along the way!

Happy New Year!

M. Lynn Schmid, Master Gardener

A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture