Spring Returns

Spring, and the earth is reborn. Summer came early this year, in fact on March 8 and 9. We broke all historical highs for these days with temperatures above 70°F. The bees were swarming on the crocuses that bloomed in the more sheltered locations. I have always been puzzled at this early appearance of bees. So many bees and so few crocuses. The bees prefer the crocuses to the snowdrops and anemones which were also in flower. Most of the more exposed crocuses will not be in flower until after the next cycle of snow and thaw. Each year the snows come again and the bees once more disappear. All too frequently the early spring flowers have just bloomed when they are again covered with a thick blanket of snow. This year was no exception. Winter was back the day after our two-day summer. By the time the crocuses reappear, their flowers will be crushed and finished.

Last year I bit the bullet and bought an electric hedge clipper. This spring, chopping the few dozen Miscanthus sinensis into bite size pieces will be much easier. They no longer look like this image of some of last fall's flowers, but half have been beaten down to the ground by the winter's snows. If cut into small enough sections, the old stems may be used as a mulch. I used to try to do that with both pruning shears or loppers, a most tiring procedure. As may be noted from this image, this flowering Miscanthus is a towering 'Strictus', similar to 'Zebrinus', and sometimes called Porcupine Grass. The 'Variegatus' form is a more tender perennial here at the low end of Zone 5 but striking with its bright white and green longitudinal stripes. I also have the 'Silberfeder' and 'Gracillimus' varieties. Planted in groups of three of each variety, these tall grasses all make for dramatic displays. I leave them to fend for themselves during the winter. Large ornamental grasses do add a bit of life to the winter landscape, retaining their upright stance until a heavy, wet snow. In early spring the tough, dead stems must be cut down to make room for new growth. Dividing a Miscanthus is best left to a chain saw, a stick of dynamite or, in my case, a daughter in law. Indefatigable Abby. She and Jeff have a fantasti cally gorgeous garden in development.

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