March 6. -20 C and snow everywhere. Photo by Louise Peacock

Spring Melt???

March 6 — it’s -20 C outside. I stick my head out the front door and look out at the front yard and at the neighbouring homes. Snow. Snow everywhere. Not looking good for an early start to the gardening season.

Like a hibernating bear, I go back inside for cosy warmth.

March 14 — There is some evidence that melting is happening. Photo by Louise Peacock

We continue to experience cold temperatures and snow flurries for the next week. Finally, March 14 I step out the front door and am delighted to see some signs of melting!

The pathway to the bird bath is starting to melt. The thick blanket of snow covering the evergreens has gone!

The deep snow around the edges of the front flower beds is shrinking back. Photo by Louise Peacock

Along the front walkway, the deep snow has begun to shrink back, leaving an icy crust along the edge. The black irrigation heads are beginning to be visible again.

Near the path edge, where the snow has receded, one can actually see the soil! Photo by Louise Peacock

Although what is visible is drab and brown, at least the snow has given way enough to see a tiny bit of actual soil.

Spring melt cannot happen too soon for me. I am itching to get back out to the garden and start raking off the winter debris to reveal the leaves of spring bulbs.

2018 — daffodil leaves peak up through fallen leaves. Photo by Louise Peacock