Life at Spring Meadows | Gardening Living Creating
Southern gardens can be a challenge during the winter months! Our weather is unpredictable from November through February. We go from cold to hot and back again! There is no guarantee we will not have ice and snow after days of beautiful weather with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Unpredictable Weather for the Southern Gardens
In Alabama, it is not uncommon to have warm temperatures one day, then the next day see a drop in temperature with an occasional chance of ice and snow. In the northern counties of Alabama, snow showers are not that uncommon, but in mid/central Alabama counties, it is rare! Periods of warm temperatures wake the plants and they begin to bud. Then, temperatures drop to freezing, putting plants and buds at risk. We go to extreme measures to protect our southern gardens from freezing temperatures, hoping they will survive.
Take a look at our Video from January 17, 2013, where snow and ice shut down our roadways in the area, but by the next afternoon, all roads were clear and temps reached upper 50s! Our gardens were covered in bed sheets to hopefully protect the tender buds!
And who can ever forget the Storm of the Century, March 12, 1993! Freezing rain, snow, ice, tornadoes, and loss of power brought our day to day life to a standstill. This storm, preceded by unseasonably warm weather, caught us by surprise at a time so many fruit trees were budding!
On Friday, April 3, 1987, I recall waking up to a snow-covered landscape, enough to build a snowman and make snow cream! For the first time on record in April, a spring snow storm dropped 6-inches of snow in our area of Alabama! According to a New York Times article published on April 4, 1987, this spring snow storm reached as far south as Mobile.
With all the surprises of weather changes for the southern gardens, some of the most beautiful flowers still put on a show during these challenging months. Over the last few days, with the warm weather, it looks like spring has sprung! I am wondering if snow is on its way!
Southern Gardens Waking Up Too Soon!
January is time to clean the garden beds and prepare the seedlings for planting in just a few short weeks. While on an “inspection” walk through the gardens, I discovered many flowers and shrubs budding and blooming early. Even the honeybees, knowing how quickly things could change, are busy collecting nectar from the Flowering Quince.
Flowering Quince | JANUARY IN THE SOUTH
Both the Saucer and Japanese magnolias, which are so fragrant in the southern garden during springtime, are already bursting with buds and flowers. If this warm weather continues, they will soon put on a show of beautiful pink and purple blooms. And the English Dogwood is not holding back either; it has tiny knobs on its branches! In just a few days, it will come alive with beautiful white flowers.
The daffodil, my favorite flower, is showing its little head of vibrant yellow. Every three years, I divide the daffodils. To stay on schedule, I took the time to dig up and separate the clumps, then replanted to create new beds.
Daffodil Bulbs | JANUARY IN THE SOUTH
Other bulb flowers, such as the irises and daylilies, have been peaking above the bed of fallen leaves and straw, and it looks as if they need dividing, too! Happy flowers! Does anyone need a few bulbs?
Planting Begins in a Few Short Weeks!
In the next few weeks, we will plant kale, turnip greens, and broccoli. It is almost time to plant the early sweet peas to enjoy with our garden salads. The garlic bulbs, already showing their green stems, are divided and replanted. It will be a plentiful crop of garlic this year!
Rosemary, chocolate mint, lemon thyme, fennel, and lavender have flourished during the cold weather and already need pruning. I will harvest the cuttings to use in the kitchen or add to my bath water for a relaxing spa.
What Does the Southern Garden Offer in the Winter Months?
In our southern garden, even this time of the year, I have my camera ready to capture what will soon change. The dried grasses and dried blooms from last year’s hydrangeas create a beautiful display.
Dried Hydrangea Bloom | JANUARY IN THE SOUTH
The buds and blooms, putting on an early show of color, add interest. And, of course, I never take a walk through the gardens without one or all of my furry friends by my side. I can never resist taking a snapshot or two as they explore life in the southern garden!
What is growing or blooming in your gardens during January? What are some of your favorite ideas for winter gardens? Tell us by commenting below! We all learn from one another!
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Sandi,
I enjoyed the tour of your winter garden. It was well written and the photos were a pleasure to view. Your pictures are always vivid displays of God’s glory!
Thank you Tina! There is always something in the garden to enjoy anytime of the year and I love to capture the garden moments with the camera! Glad you enjoyed your tour!