Have you ever seen a Maple tree covered in leaves, dry and crunchy, and snow? I have, quite the sight, let me tell you. This is what happens when ‘Ol Man Winter sneaks in early; plants are confused, animals bewildered and people downright angry! Ha! Northern Illinois had its first real snowfall the other day and people are still talking about it…
While we had warning, it didn’t seem to come in enough time for myself and others to get those last minute cleanups done in the garden. My iris, yarrow and hibiscus are still waiting to be cut back, three perennials need to be planted and two bags of mulch still need to be spread, good grief! I did not have time to cut all of the mint and spearmint that I wanted to hang to dry out, so there it is, peeking out from under the snow looking rather blackened and withered…Good news is, this shall soon pass and hopefully allow us all to quickly jump out and cut, rake and mulch what we can, salvage whatever cool crops are still hanging in there in the gardens and finally be able to say, done! Now we are ready for you ‘Ol Man!
The Aging Gardener 