18 January 2011

Sun on the Horizon


After a week of snowfall, with 35 cm the previous weekend and more every day since, adding up to 99 cm (almost a metre) of snow in a week, we are all looking forward to sun with great anticipation!  The forecast calls for highs in the low negative digits, which will make a mess out of our snow congested roadways, but I think not many will complain. 

In the meantime, how about a tour of my winter garden.

 I went around the side of the house to take these photos which meant trudging through snow that was half-way up my thigh.  All these photos were taken mid-week last week and there's been more flurries since.  Above is a weeping juniper, Tolleson's.  These are quite pretty when encrusted in hoar frost.  Each dangling strand of the evergreen foliage covered in white glistening frost. 
 Above, a close-up of the dangling samaras of the Amur Maple.  They too have a bit of snow and hoar frost on them.
 Above, a look at a white pine, up close and personal.
 Cedars are weighed down with mounds of snow beside our deck.  I am so glad we planted these.  They are going to be great for privacy though they grow only a modest 6 or so inches a year.
 A view from the other side of the house.  Above you can see a dried flower from Hydrangea Pink Diamond.  To the side are three cedars and directly in front, in the photo, is the Amur Maple.  In the background you can see the other Tolleson's Weeping Juniper.  I just love this juniper for its unique growth habit.  It is a great focal point in the winter garden when the leaves from the nearby maples have fallen and it stands alone, in full glory, a contrast to the stark white drifts of snow.
 Above and below are two photos of Dwarf Alberta Spruce.  I have three of these in my yard, two in the back garden and one in front.  Because one of the spruce in the back is not very sheltered it has browned a bit over the years.  I am considering removing it altogether.  That means more planting!!  See what I mean about winter being the time for gardening enthusiasts to analyze and plan their garden?
 The above photo shows the hoar frost that delicately coats the needles of the Dwarf Alberta Spruce.
The above photo was taken through my bedroom window, thus the screen effect in the foreground.  This is the far back corner in the garden where a mountain ash stands as an attraction to birds.  We had a visit on Sunday from hundreds of cedar waxwings who love mountain ash berries.  But that is another post, coming soon.  In the foreground is an Alberta Spruce, behind it a topiaried white pine, and, almost buried beyond recognition, another Alberta Spruce.  Left of it is one of my favourite shrubs ever, a Galahad Mock Orange.  I have featured this shrub as part of my "Spotlight on" series.  Its branches are a reddish-brown and stand out in the landscape as does the bark of the mountain ash.

 Here, under the amur maple, sits another topiaried white pine.  The snow here is close to three feet deep.
Last, but not least, is a close-up of the berries of the mountain ash.   This is a European mountain ash.  I learned this second hand from a professor at Olds College who taught that European mountain ash leaves come out in spring in a bud that is rather hairy, before fully emerging.  Yes, that's this tree alright!  Somewhat messy as it drops some of its berries, I don't regret planting it because it is such a feature in the winter garden.  It makes a nice, somewhat dappled shade in the summer and the bark is a gorgeous red-brown.  The birds love it too.

Hope all is warm and sheltered where you are.  If you see the sun, send it our way, won't you?

8 comments:

Linda said...

Our gardens are looking very similar. Today we are getting snow, ice, and more snow. I'd like some warmth and sun too.

Sheila said...

Will it ever end? Hopefully by the weekend! We hear tales of how difficult it is to get around in the city. I had to take the 4 wheel drive truck to exercise class in town and our usual old highway route wasn't even plowed...I noticed on yor winter mosaic that you have a hydrangea. I would love one - what variety do you suggest? Thanks so much!

Halcyon said...

Such beautiful snow shots!

Halcyon said...

Such beautiful snow shots!

Maggie Christie said...

All that snow! It looks very beautiful with your garden asleep underneath it all.

Thank you for visiting my blog and how lovely to see yours!

Amy said...

You have a beautiful winter garden and the evergreens look so pretty in the snow. We rarely get below freezing. However, it actually snowed for 15 minutes last winter. Enjoyed looking at your blog.

Shirley said...

Have I ever mentioned how I love to read your comments? I so appreciate you taking the time to put your thoughts in writing and sharing tidbits of your lives and gardens with me! Blogging is great for that!

Rambling Woods said...

Oh what a great idea this is..I should do one for my Nature Notes post...you are welcome to join in any time if you want on Wednesdays Shirley...Michelle

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