Lessons learned: winter 2013

Another snowstorm, another layer of moisture. Good for the plants, and more interesting to view than gray and brown. We've had snow cover for most of the winter. The skiers, snowmobilers, and snowshoers are happy.

It certainly was a pretty winter! Of course, we're weeks away from the equinox and "official" spring, but March 1 marks the beginning of meteorological spring here in the northern hemisphere!



You'd never know it looking out my window. As happy as I am about the end of the drought, I'm ready for rain instead of snow.

Time for a rain dance! And time for the quarterly "Lessons Learned" meme.

I've actually learned some new things this winter. I've discovered some unique formations, and I've rediscovered several winter phenomena that I didn't notice during last year's mild winter.

New things:



1. You can keep goldfish (and Waterlilies!) alive in an above-ground pond all winter, even if you live in a cold climate. All four of our outdoor goldfish are still fat and sassy, even though we haven't fed them a thing since October! And the Waterlily we cut back before winter is starting to sprout! We have a small heater in the pond to keep the water from freezing. I'll share more specifics on the fishman's winter pond prep in a future post.



2. You can keep Ivy cuttings alive for months by encouraging roots and keeping them hydrated. I clipped these branches in December, and now new leaves are even starting to sprout! It's time to place these plants in a pot of soil, which they so richly deserve.

Unique formations:









3. The freeze/thaw cycle this winter has created some fascinating ice structures. I wasn't thrilled with the glare-ice driveway that didn't melt for weeks on end. But the crazy ice patterns on the patio, and the snow and ice melting on the crooks of tree branches are fun to see. Layers of snow, ice, and water dripping over the rock wall are spectacular.



4. Also fascinating is the Moss (growing under said ice and snow) that is thriving with the longer days and bright sunshine.

Relearned phenomena:



5. The lake is lovely on a snowy, bright day. If it's cold enough, but not too cold, you can safely walk on the ice, and join the ice fishers, hikers, and snowmobilers for some winter fun. Last winter was so mild, I didn't spend much time at the lake.







6. My garden is full of active wildlife--even when temperatures dip to subzero. One day when the high was -5F, and the windchill was double-digits below 0F, little juncos hovered under the bird feeder, capturing seed dispersed by the brutal wind. And the tracks of rabbits and squirrels have created the feeling of a winter wildlife carnival.



What have you learned or rediscovered this season? For those in the southern hemisphere, please share your growing-season lessons. We're ready for your advice!

Please join in the Lessons Learned meme by posting about your lessons or sharing a post you've already written. You can link in by clicking here, or on the "Lessons Learned" tab at the top of this blog. Or you can simply leave a comment to let me know.

Please also join in Donna's Seasonal Celebrations meme at Gardens Eye View. Both memes will be active until the equinox, when we'll post the wrap-ups. Happy Spring!