April showers bring may flowers
May snow brings … June grow(th)?
Most folks in Boise woke up today to a winter wonderland. While around Christmas time, this was a welcome sight, the day after Mother’s Day incited an audible groan from everyone. Everyone, that is, except some of the gardeners.
The snow was wet, heavy and unexpected. In our neighborhood, many limbs fell down, snapping power lines on their way and some homes were even crushed by whole or parts of trees. Luckily, most of us people will come out of this late spring snowstorm safe and sound, but only time will tell how many plants suffered or survived.
Most of Boise took to social media to report the damage in their areas. I did the same. I also received a message from a client that said, “Hang in there!” with a heartbreak emoji.
While I knew there was cold precipitation coming, I certainly didn’t expect several inches of the heavy wet stuff to fall and stick, so I left my beds uncovered. I tried to remove some of the snow from the beds, but afraid to snap the stems of my kale and lettuce plants, I left them mostly alone. I’m hopeful the snow stacked in little igloos around the plants, holding them up and a gentle thaw will leave them unharmed. We’re supposed to get even colder temps tonight, and the snow will insulate them better than the row cover can at this point, so I’ll leave them covered and hope for the best.
As I’ve scrolled through Instagram today, I’m taking comfort in the optimism of my industry and community. When I sent a crying face emoji to a fellow garden professional who posted a picture of broken branches, she responded, “Sad but also makes room for some new things! Smiley face emoji And glad for the precipitation!”
She’s right. We need this water as we head into our dry season, and pruning/plant removal makes space for growth and health in plants who can overcome the damage.
I feel worried about my plants, but I also feel gratitude. I’m grateful for one more cold day before 100 degree temperatures are a daily occurrence. I’m grateful for another deluge of precipitation to create drainage channels in our raised beds and fill our irrigation reservoirs. I’m grateful for one more restful, reflective day inside before planting season takes over.
In the last week, I have harvested kale, lettuce, spinach and herbs in my garden almost daily. Each day I went out, more plants had grown in response to my pruning. I even harvested whole heads of lettuce to make room for new plants, filling a salad spinner for our Mother’s Day meal. While I hope our lettuces survive this snow, I also know that if they don’t, it will be okay. It’s about time to release the cool season and embrace warm weather crops. If Mother Nature helped me let go and make room, I will be grateful for what she gave me so far this year and grateful for the opportunity to grow even more.
I hope the damage in your garden and home has been minimal and that you’re all staying safe and warm. I look forward to showing up here again regularly and am grateful for your readership! Cheers to a beautiful spring ahead.
In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve adjusted our booking system here at GFG. Check out our new inquiry form at the button below and fill it out if you’d like help with a garden this season.