Surprisingly warm weather
It was downright balmy today, with the high about 60°F. Remarkable for mid-December, but not unheard of.
The last two winters have been unusually cold and snowy; maybe this winter will be milder than usual. Weather extremes seem to be the pattern that climate change is bringing, but gardeners are used to extremes, if we're just sensible.
What we plant needs to make sense, for our climate and weather patterns, whatever they may be.
I met with a fellow today from central Texas (my hometown is Austin). They've had horrendous drought and heat over the last couple of seasons. There's no point in planting hydrangeas or hostas there, to be sure, nor was there ever a reason to do so.
I was looking through a waterwise gardening book by Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Ogden this afternoon, and was reminded of all the great Texas and Southwestern plants that thrive in drought-conditions. Whether most will survive in our droughty Southeastern climate depends on their tolerance for wet soil over winter (in mostly clay, amended subsoil gardening conditions).
The last two winters have been unusually cold and snowy; maybe this winter will be milder than usual. Weather extremes seem to be the pattern that climate change is bringing, but gardeners are used to extremes, if we're just sensible.
What we plant needs to make sense, for our climate and weather patterns, whatever they may be.
I met with a fellow today from central Texas (my hometown is Austin). They've had horrendous drought and heat over the last couple of seasons. There's no point in planting hydrangeas or hostas there, to be sure, nor was there ever a reason to do so.
I was looking through a waterwise gardening book by Scott Ogden and Lauren Springer Ogden this afternoon, and was reminded of all the great Texas and Southwestern plants that thrive in drought-conditions. Whether most will survive in our droughty Southeastern climate depends on their tolerance for wet soil over winter (in mostly clay, amended subsoil gardening conditions).
As I work my soil I envy your years of amending yours. In time I will catch up to you!
ReplyDeleteOn my Christmas list this year is Beth Chatto's 'The Dry Garden'.
ReplyDeleteAn indispensable handbook for those of us who garden in dry conditions.
I do hope Santa is kind!!
I was so impressed with Beth Chatto's gravel garden when I visited a few years back. Remarkable to think what you can do with so little rain (less than half of what we get here, on average).
ReplyDelete