January 16, 2013

Caught between ice, snow, a rock, and a hard place

lamium

31 comments:

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    1. Yes, poor little plants. Amazing where (and under what conditions) you can find green, growing plants!

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  2. I look at your photo and I am honestly not sure if I am envious our worried that we might warm up to that kind of weather. The thing about winter weather is we can't control it can we, we need to live with slush, or cold temps...

    Love to see you drop by the blogs on Sunday.

    Jen

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    1. Well, it's not really warm here. That's the wild thing. We've had 10s to 30s for highs here for many weeks. Lamium is just an incredibly hardy (and nearly evergreen) plant. Plus, the protection of the rock wall (though not affording much of a soil anchor) provides some warmth and shield from the wind. I hope to join in the "no whining" meme during some of the weeks. Thanks!

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  3. ...but still thriving. Awesome!

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    1. Yes, that's what I thought, too. Incredible plant! And so pretty, too. It's a great ground cover if you keep it in check.

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  4. Great quote ... great pic and cheers to a beautiful New Year!

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    1. Thanks, Joey. We northerners are tough creatures, aren't we?! Happy New Year to you, too!

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  5. Lamiums are tough plants, in my garden they are evergreens, I just cut off last years growth in the spring to encourage new shoots.
    Great quote :-)

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    1. Yes, I realized recently that I've included Lamium in way too many of my posts--especially Bloom Day--because in addition to being nearly evergreen here, they bloom from March through October. I expect to have some die-back next week, though, when our temps will dip below 0°F (-18°C). In this climate, I never really cut back or do much else with Lamium. But I can see how it might need a little training in a warmer climate. Definitely a winner wherever it grows!

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  6. That place is hard, but plants seems to be hard as well!
    Ciao Beth. :)

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    1. True, Dona, very true! Some plants simply continue to amaze me! Ciao!

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  7. That is pretty and interesting to see such a hardy and bright green plant growing through it all.

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    1. Yes, I actually had intended to photograph a different "Wordless Wednesday," but the photos didn't turn out and it wasn't as interesting as this very vibrant plant growing in such a challenging spot.

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  8. That made me laugh. Clever. Isn't it amazing what plants can do?

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    1. Thanks, Dee. Yes, sometimes I scratch my head and say, "Really?! You survived that drought ... or that winter ... or that neglect?! It's part of the reason gardening and spending time in nature can be so rewarding.

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  9. Maybe the plant is quite happy there.

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    1. Good point, Jason! I hadn't really thought of it that way. It's certainly thriving. It might get a little cold when we get subzero weather next week, but I expect it will bounce right back with the next thaw. Thanks for that perspective!

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  10. It is truly amazing to see what grows in tough conditions...I am always amazed to see what is growing after the snow melts...

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    1. Me, too. I get all anxious and it makes it harder to wait until springtime!

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  11. Cute! I love it when plants fill in the gaps of walls and walkways. We might get snow tonight for the first time so maybe I can snap a similar photo soon.

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    1. I heard about all the snow in the southeast. I hope you didn't get too much! I'll look forward to your snow posts!

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  12. Tough little blighter for something so delicate seeming.

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    1. Yes, that is very true. And they're not succulents either--you'd think they'd freeze up or shrivel with the brutal cold. I guess they do, when the arctic weather hits. But then they just bounce back!

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  13. It is amazing what plants can endure. Despite some nights dropping to freezing here some of my summer blooming plants are still green. We don't have the snow to protect the plants so if we do get temps below freezing they are vulnerable. Did you get some snow with the recent storm that blew over the Midwest?

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    1. Sometimes I'm happy to have the snow as an insulation for the plants. The really cold weather is harder to take than milder, snowy days. We've had dribs and drabs of snow since our first big one in mid-December. So far, it has been a pretty normal winter for us. It must be shocking for you all to get a cold blast--and shocking for the plants, too.

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  14. Welcome, Loredana! Donna is a dear. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you have a lovely weekend, too.

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  15. I love how tough lamium is. :o) It only looks delicate. Wonderful photo.

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    1. Thanks! Yeah, no complaints here about Lamium. It keeps cropping up in my posts...and in my garden.

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  16. I feel like that too, sometimes... Great shot.

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    1. Thanks, Masha. Me, too. Fortunately, not so much lately--so that's good. :-)

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