Last updated on March 16th, 2019
Up for a February garden tour? Better grab your bourbon-filled flask. The garden in question is mine, and the temperature here is as cold as a loan shark’s heart:
We are in the front yard now, gazing at a house that has withstood 193 winters. As you can plainly see, I recently mowed the lawn.
Also in the front yard, and parked near the driveway, is this large forsythia. Did you know that frozen forsythia branches can be cut at this time, and forced into dazzling golden bloom?
One bitter February, I forced forsythia branches on a plant stand in my parlor window. The branches contributed their beauty to a spring scene of primula, wax begonia, and vases of forced hyacinths.
Now back to the brrr-isk outdoors:
Behind the house is a snow-capped Boxwood Garden…
which features a pair of three-tiered fountains. In winter, the fountains turn into wedding cakes.
And here, just west of the boxwood garden, is the lower terrace of the Serpentine Garden. We cannot visit the upper terraces today, because the hill is steep, and one of us is wearing stilettos.
Please pass the flask.
Now turn around, and you’ll find the boxwood-framed blueberry patch.
And speaking of blueberries…winter is the proper time to prune the shrubs. Last year, I made a crummy video of the whole pruning procedure.
And finally, here’s the Herb Garden, with its timber-framed beds and crisp, white furniture. We shall not sit in this garden today.
Instead, let’s head inside, and sit by the fire! And as we warm our toes, please tell me what’s happening in your neck o’ the woods. Are you…
Freezing in the Midwest or the Northeast?
Drowning in Los Angeles?
Sweating in Sydney?
Talk to me in the comments section below.
Hungry for more? Get my email updates, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Elle says
Beautiful photos, thanks for sharing.
I’m in Nottingham, UK.
Dorinda Uhl says
Bored in Jersey. Finally hit the high of 32…whoopee! I’ve been thinking about getting some miniature African violets to cheer the winter blues. Loved your tour!
Delores says
It looks very beautiful in the snow~here in Arlington Texas it 64 degrees and Monday we are expecting 81 ~ wish you were here ~ so you and your doggie stay warm by the fire place
bette says
Listening to a book. Eating blueberries. Finishing 30 minutes on my recumbent bike. Slow quiet day. 31 degrees right now.
Gail says
Enjoying a couple of cervesas and watching for whales in Puerto Vallarta!
Dee says
Heralds from Ohio…up to 30 today. I’m so glad I sass your post today….going out to my little frozen forsythia….I never knew. Going to try and force them and then copy as best I can your plant stand a lovely oasis in the window
Stay warm…keep the bourbon flowing
Dee
Geraldine says
Good evening Kevin, love the Garden pictures. Today I actually attended a Master Gardener program on Orchids. Dad has grown quite a few and I’m learning to grow them. Also talk to Dad about getting any spare wood he has so I can build planter boxes for spring. After massive Costco shopping trip I’m in the process of reorganizing a shell. Just love all your videos so much and thank you for adding non-alcoholic options to them. It’s something small but it means the world to me. If you’re ever in Winchester Virginia feel free to stop by.
Christine Thiessen says
Love your Garden, Kevin. 59 degrees in Southwest Missouri today after 4 degrees a few days ago.
Merry Mindy says
Right there with you in the northeast. Am I the only one who is over it already? Thx for sharing your pictures – misery loves company.
Carolyn says
Cheers! Coast of Oregon is chilling down. Threats of snow flurries on the beach tonight. Hopefully, not. And what we get, you will eventually get. Keep the home fires burning. Loved the tour of the gardens.
Lee says
I am freezing my you-know-what off here in Alberta, Canada. A flask, you say? This is my kind of gardening. Seriously, I love everything you do with your home and surroundings, Kevin. Thank you for all these years of virtual ‘chins-up’!
Columbus gardener says
In Ohio, excited to see how my winter sown milk jugs turn out- thanks for the inspiration!
Deanna says
Weather in tulsa is cold but today was in the 50’s but colder days forecasted. Always enjoy looking at your beautiful home and garden. Thank you.
IngMarie says
Ditto g in a sunny but Oh so windy Spanish coast. We have had storm force winds for about 24 hours now. It is however sunny and about 15 + celcius.
N
Loved the tour thank you,it was so beautiful.
Arvella says
Foggy in northern Michigan. Just got thru a horrendously cold week but temps on the rise. 32 now with high of 42. All our beautiful snow will become slushy. Enjoyed the winter garden tour.
Linda says
Hi Kevin
Love the idea of taking a walk in the winter garden.so peaceful. Here in St.Paul Minnesota it is a balmy 37 degrees and raining.so no walk in my frozen north garden. . Instead i will have the chocolate cake and watch football. Love all your recipes.
phyllis trevech says
I live in Minnedosa Manitoba Canada. Last week it was -41 celius. We broke the 1893 record. I have a 6 month old Golden Retriever. He also broke the record of getting his jobs done and into the house in front of the woodstove. We have tons of snow. Still cold, but spring is coming.
Enjoying your pics of your yard. Love boxwood but does not do good here.
Going to make a cuppa choc. Enjoy it in front of the warmth of the stove.
Have a great day Kevin.
Mary Hatton says
Thanks for the garden tour. I too live in the Hudson River Valley. About this time, I am struggling to see beauty in the garden, so I appreciate the encouragement.
Chessa says
Good morning! It’s a heat wave today in orchard park ny! Your home and gardens are beautiful! I can imagine how they look in the warm months !! You gave me an idea to force some flowers. I hv to keep away from my cats though . Thank you for sharing!
Debbie says
Loved the garden tour
It’s going to be in the mid 70,s here in The Villages Florida
Going to play golf today and going to a super bowl party later
Life is good I love your website come see us keep warm!❤️
Judy says
In West Virginia we had -4 on Wednesday. Today it is going up in the 50’s. Staying inside and sewing and watching the birds at the feeders till I can get in the gardens again. On the bright side maybe the cold weather will kill all the unwanted bugs.
Pam says
Hi Kevin! Your place is even prettier in the snow…we usually dont get any here in far northeast Linden,Texas – just 30 miles from Arkansas and Louisiana borders. We get ice more often -hate,hate. Our low so far this winter has been 28 and a 25 minute snow flurry that didnt even collect on the ground. This weekend highs in mid 60s and then low 70s Monday and Tuesday and then drops again to the 40s and 50s. We have been hearing the spring peeper frogs 🙂 Planning on getting in the hot tub/spa Monday night with a nice glass of sweet red wine – you guys should come on over 🙂
Mina says
Loved the tour, Kevin. Love your sense of humor! At this very moment I am basking in 40 degrees. 65 degrees warmer than last Wednesday in Wheaton, IL.
Laura Axthelm says
Hello Kevin,
I planted a few mini greenhouses with a young friend and will do mine tomorrow. Thanks for the instructions and inspiration. I’m gardening in CT in February, yay!
Dewena says
“Cold as a loan shark’s heart,” that will stay with me! Your garden in winter’s snow is majestic, like the beautiful winter gardens in the British home magazines in winter. Your garden table in the window is lovely and I love the color of paint by the fire!
Mild here in Nashville where some of us are lamenting only two dustings of the white stuff so far. Maybe it will show up still?
Elizabeth says
29 and foggy in St Cloud, Minnesota, which is 63 degrees warmer than it was 4 days ago. Thanks for the garden tour.
Valerie Holmes says
I look forward to your wonderful emails. How you manage to make a cold snowy day feel warm and cozy is amazing. Southeastern CT is warming to 40 degrees today and we’ve been snowless so far. The cuppo cake is just what I’ve been craving! Thanks!
bambi_beth says
We are bundled up in western PA winter sowing in the garage!! I got a new variety of bachelor button I am so excited about!
All our snow should melt today, if it gets as warm as they are saying. Thank you for sharing your garden with us.
Cyn says
Dear Kevin,
Though I’m not much for posting, each Sunday I look forward to reading your blog.
Everytime I see your Boxwood, even when snow-capped, I marvel at how you created the hedges from clippings.
I’m in Maryland, where we currently have snow on the ground and the recent temps have fluctuated between 6°F and 41°F. Crazy weather.
You’ve inspired me to bring in some wood and get the fireplace going to enjoy a cozy Sunday morning.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll venture far enough into the yard to snip some Forsythia branches.
Take care,
Cynthia
John says
I thought there was a snowstorm when I woke here in Minneapolis. But it is just a thick fog, for now. I’m eating a bowl of blackberries and enjoying your tour. Does Sorel make stilletos?
Elizabeth says
Welcoming the rain as it rolls in across the bay in the San Francisco Bay Area. Loved the winter garden tour.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
Looking forward to a temperature above 32 degrees F today for the first time in 6 days. Walking the dog on slushy streets. Then adding seeds to my 15 winter sowing jugs which were de-labeled, cut, punched for drainage, tagged on the handles and filled with soil yesterday. Lehigh Valley PA, ground zero for stink bug invasion. Greatly enjoyed your tour of winter beauties.
Beth Moore says
In northern Maine, it’s beautiful outside, sunny and a crisp eight degrees F.
I am enjoying my breakfast and looking forward to making garbure for dinner. Your garden looks lovely…even in the winter.
Martha says
Loved the tour! Drizzling and warm in ATL!
Margie says
Here in the middle of the 48 in Kansas we are coming out of snows that look like your wedding cake photo. But it left us soggy soil that the puppy is tracking into the house after doing her business outdoors. I have a towel at the door to clean her feet, but she has learned to get past me. Need better treats to make the cleaning feet ordeal more tolerable. Love your posts! With the break in the temperature I plan to go buy a violet today to go with my two Thanksgiving cactus. One of those is still giving me blooms a few at a time.
Rosemary says
Kevin,
I knew you were an angel. I can’t see a footprint in the snow !
Thank you for the lovely tour. I can feel how clean the air is when I take a deep breath. And your flower window is the picture of love, peace and harmony. Thank You for taking the time to share your patch of Winter Wonderland.
Here in Toronto we are revelling in a heat wave. No sunshine but freezing rain mixed with light snow. A pleasant relief from the past two weeks.
All the best to You and Yours,
Et á la prochaine
Anne says
Johns comment about Sorel reminds me of the wonderful movie “Kinky Boots”!
We are snowbirding across Florida til March, home is Bout 40 miles west of Chicago, where my son tells me one of the panes of my garden window has cracked from the cold. Heaven knows how my succulent collection is doing! In the 70s here today in Estero.
Martey says
Hi Kevin, I’m freezing outside of Philly. We’re hoping that the subzero temps kill off the Spotted Lanternfly eggs! Inside, Clive the Clivia is in bloom and some of my amaryllis bulbs are showing signs of life. Oh, and Punxsutawney Phil says that winter will be short this year. Yay!
Susan says
Also zone 6 Lehigh Valley, PA. Looking at the thermometer, 26 degrees and rising! Plan on setting out my winter sowing jugs tomorrow. Have discovered that kitty litter jugs also work great, and my kitty graciously donates many of them during the year. Could have used that flask last week!
Linda B says
Hi Kevin! Fun to read your Sunday posts today, and really enjoyed the tour. Here in St Louis we went from 0 early in the week to 50s yesterday. I opened the one planter box that I had planted with spinach seeds late fall, covered with 2 layers of row cover, and happy to see they are an inch or so tall already. Loved your piece on the plastic jug winter garden, but we don’t have plastic jugs here. Just had an idea to try next year…or maybe yet this winter…I have six hanging baskets that I did not recycle, and thinking of filling them with potting mix, sewing some of the seeds you suggested, and covering with the two layers of row cover…and seeing what happens. The row cover has been more forgiving for me…no worry about cooking them, and not as subject to flying off. Well, happy weekend and look forward to the next post! Take care, LB
GG says
Heat wave in Omaha. 42 yesterday after a -32 just a few days before :). As they say in Nebraska…if u don’t like the weather now, just wait 15 minutes. Wild temperature swings here…especially this year. Looking forward to getting out into the garden, hopefully soon!
E Vaines says
Kevin , I think that the snow in your garden is beautiful! But I understand that the cold temps are hard to take. Here in beautiful sunny Victoria, British Columbia we are only just getting a cold snap and might see a few flakes this week -nothing much. There is snow only 3 hrs north of us in Comox where the ski hills at Mt. Washington are up and running for everyone to enjoy!
I love your site and often use your recipes. Thanks and go out there and make a snow angel!
Addie Bambridge says
Well it’s Super Bowl Sunday and I’m looking forward to watching the creative and funny commercials – maybe I’ll even watch the game LOL. But not without your cuppa chocolate cake – yum!
It’s supposed to reach 77 degrees today, after over a week of slightly below freezing nighttime temps during which everyone was moaning about it here in Ocala, FL (aka God’s waiting room).
I keep telling people, well, it IS winter, even in Florida, and reminding them about the weather in most of the rest of the country. That being said, Richard and I do lament the lack of a fireplace.
Cheers,
Addie B. in FL
Alyce Grover says
What a gorgeous house. The love shows.
South central KY had ungodly wind chill cold for a couple of days, and now we’re headed for the 60s this week and back to the 40s following that. I’ll take it!
Renee Coursey says
Warm 42 right now with rain here in Boise, ID. Some of my outdoor plants are already starting to get green leaves. Will see what happens next. It is similar to what GG said here, ‘just wait 15 minutes and see what happens’. Have a lovely day and stay warm.
Pam R says
Hi Kevin! Woke up to thick sea fog that burned off by 9:30ish here at the Gulf Coast town of Venice. It’ll be 72 today, a far cry from the brutal temps from last week. Nights were 41, days 62-4. Burrrr! ; ) I’ll take this over summer here, or NE Illinois’ winters I endured for years!
Jane says
We are enjoying a late Sunday breakfast of French Toast, accompanied by your blog which I read out to my husband. We are in a small town, Port Perry, east of Toronto overlooking the frozen Lake Scugog. I can see ice fishing huts out on the lake. We are delirious with joy that it’s warmed up to minus 3C windchill minus 11C after 2 weeks near minus 41, most nights. Freezing drizzle ahead. You warm our hearts every week with your joy for life and your sense of humour. Loved the stilettos in the garden! Enjoy your week. Jane
Carol Samsel says
We are have another typical Missouri winter here -14° on Wednesday and 63° today. We have had more snow than normal this year but it has melted quickly. Today I’m getting more jugs ready for winter sowing.
Jay says
After a 50 degree day yesterday, most of our snow is gone here in SW Ohio, but it’s still chilly. I’m watching a downy woodpecker hammer away at the dogwood outside my window, while cardinals, chickadees and bluejays devour the seeds spilled from the feeder above. It may be a gray day, but I’ll be happily sewing in my basement studio while the big game plays, a tradition I can totally get behind.
Terena says
I noticed comments from Canadians in my neighbouring provinces, so good morning from Saskatchewan: it’s a balmy -26, -34 with windchill. Only another 4 months of winter to go…
The garden tour was lovely, the chocolate cake will be trialled this afternoon, and the search for Sorel stilettos will begin tomorrow. Thank you for your weekly news, it’s always an interesting read!
Lisa says
I’m not too hot, too wet, or too cold. I’m “just right” in Southern Oregon.
I didn’t know that about forsythia. Mine aren’t frozen of course, but I still wouldn’t bring them in. The house cats would misunderstand and think I’d brought them sticks to chew!
Nelia says
Your newsletters are a highlight for me every week. Got hooked when I Googled “How to freeze beets”. That article got me… ROFL… Love your sense of humor and informative posts always. Thank you! Can’t imagine the freezing temperatures as I live on the Southern tip of Africa… Here 17 degrees Fahrenheit in winter means… Let’s hibernate… God bless you all in that unthinkable (for me) temperatures…
Fran says
Good morning Kevin, Thank you for your suggestion regarding forcing forsythia. I’ve done it in the past in early Spring did not realize you could do it now. I’m also in the Hudson Valley and as you know today were expecting a high of 45 degrees after a very cold week. Look forward to your weekly emails. Enjoy the balmy weather this week.
Marilyn says
Mildly cold — especially compared to your climes. Gray skies, no snow, some rain, and a warm up expected. It’s Texas, what else?
badger gardener says
My forsythia branches, that I learned how to force at your site many moons ago 🙂 , were in their prime during our snowy and cold weather. With an unexpected reprieve from the normal routine I spent most of the time at home admiring the forsythia, rereading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s The Long Winter, drinking brandy old fashioneds, and experimenting in the kitchen. Sometimes I love winter.
Mary Ellen says
Good Morning….well almost afternoon, Kevin. I live in northwest Ohio. Just a couple of days ago it got down to a chilly -15 degrees here at night and yes, that was the ambient temperature. With the wind chill, it was a bitter -37 ! They say in our neck of the woods, if you don’t like the weather…just wait 5 minutes. Well maybe not 5 minuyes ! It’s been a couple of days and today they expect the temperature to get to 50 degrees and sunnyt. Sunny it is and it’s 11:40 AM and it’s already 47 ! That’s a whopping 70 difference in temperature in just a couple of days. So don’t sit by the fire too long……it’s headed your way !
Samantha says
Noticing leathery heart-shaped king cup leaves sprouting despite the frigid weather on the north shore of Long Island; also, the colchicum leaves and a few brave daffodil tips are peeking up in clusters. I am amazed that the sub zero temps didn’t do for them! Thank you for reminding us that forsythia can be forced at this time. Once I sign off, I’ll grab my garden shears and bring some in.
Jan says
No mosquitoes! Crunchy snow this past week! I love this time of the year! Now I’m trying to remember where I have seen forsythia bushes that I could pilfer a few branches from…..hmmm
Janet Carter says
No mosquitos! Crunchy, squeaky snow this past week! I love this time of the year! Now I have to remember where I’ve seen some forsythia bushes that I can pilfer a few branches from….hmmm
Danella on the Canadian west coast says
Cold and foggy on the water as I head to Victoria BC on the ferry. Your delightful posts always warm us up though. Thanks for sharing your lovely home and gardens. Stay warm!
Kathy says
Brandy old fashions?? THAT sounds interesting! Wish I could grow Forsythia and Witch-Hazel, but living in Southern California, that, along with the freezing temps are out of reach. However, we are enjoying some spectacular rains. Yes, some are suffering, mainly in Malibu and Montecito. Hmmm, be careful what you wish for….both gorgeous areas when not burning or flooding. I lost my heat yesterday for about 4 hours and was forever humbled at 60 degrees inside!! What a wus! So, I am here painting and looking at my winter garden that has been pruned way back, waiting for late April when it will spring forth in exultation! I can’t even imagine the work that is needed to keep up your property, and I am a landscape designer! Retired but not forgetting the prep even here in Neverland to develop and maintain such a large, intensely planted garden…kudos to you. I enjoy the watching and the food pics!!
REbecca says
Hi from a Horticulturist in Western North Carolina. I actually went out in a t-shirt yesterday, doubt that will happen again for a while.
Today is a happy day as I am preparing seed trays for starting cool season plants indoors and therefore marking my first day of this years gardening, yay.
CAROL says
Loved your tour… glad it’s your yard and not mine! Feel sorry for us.. the temp is going to be in the 70’s this week… I love Texas… if you don’t like the weather here, wait a minute, it will change. It may be hot in the summer, but guess what? We have air conditioning.
Take care and enjoy your winter. The snow looks pretty in your yard.
Janet says
Good Morning Kevin,
I love getting your posts on Sunday morning. The snow is lovely. Here on the Northshore of Lake Superior we will continue to enjoy snow for many more months. Spring seems very far away but your window with blooms brighten my day.
Marcia says
Hi Kevin. We here in Northern Indiana had -14 the first night and -17 the second one. I never want to hear the two words “Polar” and “Vortex” in the same sentence again. The wind chill got down to -49. The power stayed on and the only tragedy was the man across the street broke his leg while walking his dogs. I’ll be fixing some snacks for the game soon. I’ll get out your new cook book and decide.
Marcia
Debra says
Loved the tour of your winter garden:) It’s raining, no it’s pouring on the central coast of California today. Winds up to 60+ mph. Very unusual weather for our part of California. Lots of people out of service, we still have ours thank you very much! Gonna head over to the Moose Lodge and watch the Superbowl this afternoon.
I always look forward to your video recipes and garden tours and a peek at your beautiful home.
Hope you have a toasty Sunday:)
BTW it’s much too frosty for stilettos.
Kathe says
I am cozy in Colorado today, as the sun is shining and it’s in the 50’s! Your garden tour inspired me to do my own, and I see that my tulips and daffodils are already poking up thru the mulch! Hoping for more snow next week as the bulbs and the trees need the moisture. Thanks for your blog, Kevin!
Mary says
Hello from Missouri!
Our weather if far from boring! We’ve gone from -7 to 64 degrees in one week and the forecast for the next 14 days is rain, snow, or freezing rain. I went for a walk today and am going to watch the big game tonight with friends. I love your blog! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Linda says
You are always welcome to stay with us in Florida….nice 65 degrees in Tallahassee. Love your creativity and sense of humor. Hi to Will.❤️
Elaine Clark says
Hey Kevin,
We have been enjoying your recipes, made the pan dinner with chicken thighs for my son in laws Birthday ! Everyone raved !!! We added some thinly cut sweet potato to the mix. I would love t see your Cat, we see the dog, now and then but never the kitty. Our Inside /out side cat was standing on the ice covered pond this morning. Would love to share a photo. Snow on the ground in Maryland. I have all of my winter sowing down, Getting ready to start my seeds indoors( Flowers and herbs) Any Advice ? I should also mention we loved the Orange Marmalade Cake , YUM !
Elaine Clark zone 7
Dominique says
Thank you Kevin for your lovely white garden photos! I live in New Zealand where the temperature is hot, hot, hot… 32 degres today…. It is early yet so the watering system is on at present to cool everything before the sun hits completely. I am a ‘ “winter girl” so your photos fill me with envie !! ( Nothing like sipping a glass of mulled wine by the fire when it is snowing outside !! ) ☃️ Take care and love to you both.
Jill Mackay says
A winter wonderland Kevin but it’s as dry as a bone here in Southern Queensland. The North of QLD won’t even share their torrential flooding with us!!
dolores leonard says
Love your posting, as always, and adore your traditional house.
One gentle suggestion, though – as shutters are meant to cover (or look as though they could cover) the windows they are attached to, I would remove the shutters that are on either side of the bay window at the front of your house. Perhaps this is a fuddy-duddy pet peeve of mine, but I wince when I see skinny shutters on either side of a wide window or abutting a bay or bow window.
This is probably not a big deal in a suburban development, but your house is a classic elegant lady!
Wendy K says
Your place is magnificent! Thanks for sharing your recipes, tips, wisdom, and gifts.
-Provided extra food for a wild turkey during the sub-zero temperatures, and he survived. I imagine that he is looking forward to spring in Minnesota….
Mary Jouver says
Thanks for the lovely pictures Kevin…I miss New York winters! It is in the 40’s in the Seattle area and I am ready for Spring!
Marlyn says
Public and University schools were cancelled for three days straight last week, Tues. – Thurs. because of the cold temps. we had thanks to the polar vortex that plunged down here from the north. We had the coldest temps. I’ve ever remembered. Minus 35 degrees w/ wind chills of – 65 degrees F! I rescheduled all appointments for last week to this week. We just stayed inside. Our daily paper was not delivered on Wed. and no one got mail on Wed. in the whole state of MN that day as well. I do see deer just about everyday in the winter in my backyard, during the day. I know they come at night too, since I see their footprints all over my yard the next day, as well as piles of you know what. Yesterday and today feel balmy ( 30 degrees F.) compared to what we had a few days ago. How often does one get to experience a 60 degree fluctuation in two days time? Last week when it warmed up to -10, it snowed. I have two amaryllis sitting on my kitchen table. One is finally showing signs of sending up a new leaf. Last year they bloomed gloriously for 3 weeks. The pink one sent up two bloom stalks and when all the buds opened I had 8 all blooming at the same time. They were so lovely. I so enjoy your recipes and videos or pictures of outside, inside your home and kitchen. We don’t have a fireplace, but I can still cozy up in a chair covered in a handmade quilt.
Linda A says
31 degrees right now at 1 pm in Southern Oregon
with winter storm warnings tonight so guess I’ll wake up to winter white tomorrow – a welcome.
Doesn’t last long here.
With your snow, even Melania would have trouble navigating in stilettos.
Curious if your boxwood serves to keep deer out of your blueberry patch. We have an
abundant deer population here and its a constant battle to outsmart them (they usually
win).
Pat says
Beautiful! I’m in Seattle. Camellias are blooming in my back yard – always the first to burst out!
Glenda....Canada says
Another one reporting in from freezing Alberta, Canada! With the wind chill this morning it was -36C here, so one needs more than a flask, Kevin! Off to Maui in a couple of weeks….can’t wait!
Love your pictures. Keep warm!
Lyn Morrison says
Your garden looks so picture perfect as we swelter in Sydney,,, Love the pics
Dianetg says
Cape Cod reporting in. We got to 34 degrees today and my “ new to me” cocker spaniel is in 7th heaven! Her self-chosen task is to keep the marauding squirrels at bay. (I stealthily feed them when she isn’t looking). We should hit 42 degrees in the early part of the week and I hope to rake up the 10 tons of black oiled sunflower seed shells that litter my yard. Oh yes – I also attempt bird feeding.
Forsythia is in the basement – cool but warm enough to encourage blossoms – I HOPE.
kathleen faline says
I’m sitting in the kitchen while listening to my son & husband “watching”the Super Bowl in the living room. Its 8:30am here in Malaysia. Lovely weather compared to back home Massachusetts.
Doing some side trips around south east asia while we visit the family for 2 months. Check terra cotta soldiers off my bucket list. I don’t miss the cold but the snow looks lovely in your yard as if it was decorated by yard nymphs overnight. Go Pats!
Donna Cheung says
Hey Kevin here in Winnipeg, Manitoba it is “colder than the north side of a skunk heading south”
Even though it is around -22c we still fired up the BBQ and cooked a great steak for dinner.
We’re a hardy bunch!!!
Denise says
Good evening, Kevin, I simply love reading your blog, which is full of interesting and valuable information, but most of all, your kind and generous heart. Come to Denver! So sunny and warm here, I only wore a sweater to mass this morning.
Keely Macalister says
I guarantee you I am not the one in stilettos, but I loved your garden tour! A winter garden is so beautiful…you can really see what she is made of. Thanks for the peek at your beautiful home and the chuckles. Stay warm!
SueLynn says
Hi Kevin! Thank you for sharing your beautiful landscape. It’s been cold so much soup production and baking has been going on indoors. Due to weather on Grand Island, we had a couple short workdays and a few naps with the feline. Today it zoomed to 44 degrees and they were partying in the streets! Caught the Husky dogsled club at Niagara Falls and then watched some boats breaking ice in the Niagara River. Home to pasta and sauce and a baked goodie from the local Italian bakery. Now to get ready for the work week and whatever weather it brings. Stay comfy!
Cary says
After -30 it has soared to 40 degrees. I shoveled the slush out of the garage and actually put a dehumidifier in there since the flooor is awash. Then enjoyed a piping bowl of that garburre soup from your last episode. Yum!!
Kathleen CA says
Kevin–
Love your sense of humor as much as your beautiful photos! Waaaaayyyyy out here on the Mojave Desert, somewhere between Los Angeles and Phoenix, I’m busy gardening by preparing hundreds of plants to give away at an annual plant giveaway. I’ve been doing this for 10 years. The trick is to find varieties which can tolerate winter freezes, summers of 120 degrees, high winds, and very poor soil. It’s a challenge, but can be done. I meet the most interesting people thru my gardening interest, and you are one of them! I look forward to opening your email on Sunday mornings. Thank you for blogging!
Kathleen CA says
Kevin–Love your humor as much as your beautiful photos! Waaaaaayyyyyy out here on the Mojave Desert, somewhere between Los Angeles and Phoenix, I am preparing for an annual plat giveaway, which I have been doing for 10 years, propagating hundreds of cuttings and seeds. In between the rainstorms which have broken a 9-year drought, I’m learning about varieties which tolerate winter freezes, summer temps of 120 degrees, high winds, and poor soil–all in the same plant. When I want to warm up, I retreat indoors for some of those delicious soups whose recipes are on your website. I hope you find it humorous that I was born and grew up in Upstate New York. (Unfortunately, forsythia won’t grow here.)
Linda Cramp says
Looking at the first picture… Is that the ‘puppy’ you just got. Shes a beautiful young lady!!!!
Sue says
We went from -35 degrees with about 8″ of snow on the ground on Wednesday and Thursday to 40 degrees on Saturday and Sunday, with almost no snow remaining. Crazy midwest weather.
Durf says
Hilarious! We’re “unfreezing” here in CT. My pipes froze three times last week, causing the water heater to shut off twice. Fun times.
Tracy says
I cannot tell you how happy I am to see the return of the “gardening” blog posts! Even buried in snow, your tours, tutorials, editorial, etc. of what’s growing or not growing, and how you manage your property are fantastic. I love your wit and friendliness. I much prefer your blog posts to videos (you’re just a very engaging writer) and anything on the subject of gardening or property management to your topics that involve cooking or recipes. You’re good at all of it, make no mistake. But you’re a better writer than on camera host, and there are so many fantastic cooking videos available that it’s a hard hill to climb without professional hosting skills, lighting, staging, etc. Thank you for everything you share with us– it gets me through winter!
Rosie S says
We hit -30.7 at our house…to be precise. 🙂 Luckily, I volunteer at an arboretum and the flower show was being prepped last week. I was able to use forced forsythia branches in arrangements! Plus, the sight of hundreds of blooming, colorful and scented plants really helped warm up the coldest of dispositions! Stay warm…and enjoy the coziness of winter!
Terry says
When will you sow perennial seed directly in the garden. I read can sow many at this time, our snow is gone for a few days and want to sow some. I have some 101 winter as well.
lee says
Kansas City has gone from -4 below to 63 and now back to 31. So confusing. But I did get to wash my car without freezing my fingers off. Thank you for pointing out that forsythia can be forced. I am going home to prune, well my neighbors branches hanging over into my yard. Nice of them to share. Stay warm
Ann S says
It’s been raining off and on for 4 days in San Diego. Right now it’s 59F. I’m thrilled that the Sierras have more than 110% of snowpack! But my garden is all waterwise with drip systems, so in the summer, none of my watering schedule will be changed. I love the winter garden tour.
Diane says
Lovely in SW FL. All my Christmas cacti are about finished blooming. Many of my orchids are budding and will bloom soon. My husband built me an awesome pergola which all my pants love. The mourning doves also love it and nest in my plant pots. 2 babies just left the nest. Always sad to see them go but already have a new pair building a nest.
Janet G. Metzger says
Kevin,
we are basking in Dallas. last weekend prepped the beds for spring; paperwhite is blooming, the daffodil are showing yellow. will be down to 29 again this weekend, so we had 5 days off for good behavior!
pax!
Lori says
Hi Kevin!
Welcome to bi-polar February in northern Minnesota. We received 8” of fresh powder and another 3”-5”is expected on Wednesday. I love this white stuff but I’m growing concerned with what’s going to happen if it melts too quickly. We have over 20” of snow, the first big snowfall year in many years, lol.
Thank you Columbus Gardener for reminding me of winter sowing. I’m starting mine in February. I think the -63 wind chill would have been too much for those seeds.
When it comes to gardening in the spring, the websites have us watch our lilac bushes and the forsythias, planting when the leaves pop out and flowers. I wonder if that’s the reason all the Midwest farms seem to have a lilac shrub on the property? But this year I’m adding shrubs to my new south west/west foundation beds. Just landscaped it last year, this year add the plants. I’m going to try the forsythia bush in this zone 3 garden.
Are there any other shrubs that can be forced inside?
Lori says
Hello from Minnestoa….we hit a warm spell of -2…..just got 8” of fresh powder giving is a total of 20+ inches of snow and were suppose to get another 3-5 “ of new stuff on Wednesday and then plummetdown to the – 30s. Welcome to bi-polar February.
I’m wondering, when you plant your gardens by mother nature’s signs, it often say to watch the lilac bushes and the forsythia bushes, from first leaves to flowers. Each step has you planting something different in the lilac stages. Do you suppose that’s the treason do many mid west farms have likac bushes on the homestead? I hope to try a forsythia bush in zone 3 this year.
Jane says
Loved the tour! Thank you, snow also in NW Iowa. Covered with a fresh coat of ice yesterday. Love winter tho. Also love the tour!
Jo says
Here in Northern California it is cold and snowy!! Wondering about your fountains, though. I have a few similar to yours and I cover them in the fall because of the weather. Am I wasting my time? I am always afraid they will crack.
Love your “white” gardens.
Deborah GOODMAN says
I’m on the opposite side of the state from you. We had a really nasty storm with bitter cold, wind, snow and travel bans. All followed by a heat wave of the high 40’s to mid 50’s. As of today it is starting to get cold again with more snow. Mother nature just can’t seem to make up her mind. Avery looks like she is saying ” What is all this white stuff Dad?”
Kate from Hartfield UK says
You posts are such a delight. Delicious food and fascinating ideas and insights into another life on the other side of the pond. Keep ‘em coming. The weather here is still, damp and wintery, the garden is resting, the dog snug by the log fire and I am tempted by you chocolate cup cake.
Nancy says
So amazing how much snow you have. We are only two hours south of you and nary a bit of snow on the ground. The only big snow we’ve had this season was that unusual dump before Thanksgiving. Since then a couple of dustings that melted within a few days. I have mixed feelings. Love how it looks at first and I know it’s good for the plants but so happy to have been able to get out and “garden” in the past week or so, trimming hellebores, chopping leaves for mulch, ;pruning, tidying up a few things. Hoping for an early spring.
lynne kershaw says
well I am in cape town ,where we have no water and an aweful lot of wind.i love your website and refer to it all the time.Any ideas for a good braai salad.different from the the usual slaw and spuds.