Warmth, Polar Vortex and Snow

It's only Jan. 11th and we have had a variety of weather! This was one of the first hellebores to open.While the temps have been mild, I've not removed the old foliage from the hellebores. In the event of ice the older foliage provides some protection for the new growth and blossoms.

The blue pincushion flower has been producing flower buds. It seems to be more comfortable now than in late summer.

The Feb./March blooming camellia has a profusion of buds due to our wet summer. I just hope that the buds aren't damaged by this freezing weather. They are on the verge of opening.

More evidence of our mild temperatures. This is a begonia that is still blossoming,

We flipped to freezing temperatures the second week in January. This prepped the ground for some snowfall to stick on Jan. 10th. This is our first measurable snowfall in three years. Zone 8 is definitely accurate for us now. You can see the green German iris fronds which haven't died back yet.

At some point in the night the snow turned to light freezing rain. Fortunately, we didn't experience any power outages due to falling tree branches. The pink dogwood in the front yard was a crystalline beauty this morning, Jan. 11th.

Last night as the snow was falling I feared that a cat was lying injured in the road.

Galahad (that would be Ian) went outside to investigate. Fortunately, it turned out to be tree debris!

Puff the Magic Dragon weathervane was covered in ice this morning.

The nearby paper bush in ice.

We are above freezing temps now. The redtwig dogwoods were completely free of ice before noon. Tonight, it will refreeze though and be a mess on the roadways. Lows will be around 22 degrees.

I'm pleased that we didn't get snowed under or have an ice storm. That was just enough snow to justify a nice cup of hot chocolate. I plan to enjoy the coziness of the living room with some shrimp chowder from Whole Foods tonight.