Aftermath

The ice storm did a real number on several plants in the yard. I was so excited to finally see blooms on the ginger last year and now I have to cut it all back because the ice and cold weather froze it completely. It's amazing to me though, that even dead, the stalks put off a lovely spicy smell when I cut them. There might not be any blooms this year but there will be lovely green foliage for the cat to hide in.
 
The camellias were in bloom when the storm hit and some of them never recovered. Two of my favorites did, though. One is red and white and looks like a peppermint candy. I have looked at websites and through books on camellias but have never been able to decide exactly what the name of this variety is, so I just call it the Starlight peppermint camellia. Many of the blooms only opened halfway and many more just froze solid as buds. The few that did open, however have been especially beautiful because of their scarcity. The solid red, double camellia bush did the best overall because it had already started opening when the ice hit. Most of the blooms acted like it was just cold storage and when the ice melted they carried on as usual. I'm thankful that anything managed to bloom this year.


Camellia on ice

 

The bush recovered nicely

 



 My "Starlight Peppermint" camellia

 

              Southern Toad

I was cleaning up around the gingers yesterday and found this little guy. Needless to say he was thoroughly pissed at me for disturbing his home under the pot of dead ferns. I left him to his own devices for a bit and he must have found a new abode because I haven't seen him since.


    

 

 

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The Big Chill




The master of all he surveys (Cardinalis cardinalis)



The only things moving in the yard, or even the neighborhood, right now are the birds and me with the camera. The ice storm has coated all the trees and bushes in crystal and there is 1/2" of sleet on the ground. I've only seen one squirrel today and he just grabbed a few bites of corn and took off back to his warm nest. There are dozens and dozens of birds in the yard, though. Many parts of the country see this type of weather often, but for the Gulf coast it is practically unheard of.



The maple tree is coated in ice and the raised garden is full of sleet.





This little pine warbler (Setophaga pinus) is none too happy about having cold toes



Even frozen, the ginger plants give off a spicy smell



 

Flurries and Sleet and Ice - Oh My!

WHAT??? 

Snow flurries, ice and sleet are predicted for the coast on Tuesday and Wednesday. Good thing I've been too lazy to get the garden ready for planting. I usually plant English peas and onions during January but if I had, they would get killed for sure in the storm heading our way. Since Easter is late this year, I might be able to have fresh peas and spring onions for dinner if I get the planting done in the next 7-10 days. My vegetable garden is 16' x 4' and about 12" high. I need to add another 4x4 around the sides this year and raise it a little more. I get a year older, the veggie bed gets a timber higher - funny how that works out.

Taken in October 2013 after the last summer harvest

My garden angel