Goodbye 2016

I stepped outside to capture this last light of 2016. There is always a mix of feelings for me at the New Year. It's bittersweet to see the past year ending but I am also excited for a clean slate and the promise of what lies ahead in the New Year. Goodbye 2016.

Hellebore Maintenance

Today I worked outside for a bit. I decided to begin the task of cutting off last year's leaves on all of the Hellebore plants. I finished up two plants which completely filled up a trug. As you can see, this year's new growth is already pushing up and out. There are even a few buds fully visible. I worry about them, with all of the cold weather predicted for next week.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all the joy, wonder and peace of the Holiday Season.

First Frost Finally!

After waiting and waiting, we finally had our first frost last night. It hit 27 degrees and we were greeted by a white, icy wonderland this morning. We missed tying the record for the latest first frost, December 9th, by just two days. I am still wondering what kind of Winter we are going to have. The forecasters are calling for more of a "true" Winter this year. But with such a late first first I am wondering if we are doomed, for a third year in a row, to another mild, warm Winter.