I'm sorry, Tom.

That really sucks Tom.

Oh well, maybe it will be a season of chimeras.

First Blooms
Frost and Snow

I know iris can handle temps below 32, but how low can they go? I know mine have done ok in upper 20s, but I think 26 would sure be pushing it. And I know they say snow insulates, but that cold wet snow does not seem like it would be good.

I usually see the most "cold weather bloom" done in the fall, with the "rebloomers"....27 degrees seems to be the magic #. Any wind, will help, and, they have to "stay" cold for a while to show very much damage.....so a sudden dip to mid 20's, if it warms up into the 30's-40's, the following morning, won't bother them, too much. I think "spring bloom" is more "tolerant" of cold temps, than "fall bloom", because I seldom see any "cold damage" on the early pumila / MDB irises
It's raining here, and the temps are going down, pretty fast....but I'm thinking most of the "winter stuff" will be "your cross to bear", Tom

I couldn't help but read through the posts above. I remember some hard freezes in April of 2007 and saved some pictures. It was a devastating blow to my whole spring garden. The temps dropped into the mid-twenties overnight and stayed there for several days. I had ordered new SDB's the previous year from Mid-America, and they all took a severe hit, but fortunately did not die. It is heartbreaking for the serious collector to go through these types of conditions. But we are all survivors; and I know (and pray) that my northern neighbors (Arlyn & Tom) will recover without serious losses. And I hope the freeze will be very light if any.

It wasn't just irises; tulips, viburnums, poppies & a host of other spring perennials suffered. Even the robins were upset. Here are a few reminders (and a weather map) of that year for what it is worth. If my memory serves me well this cold snap lasted from April 8 through April 15, 2007. Everything survived, but bloom was sporadic if at all. So I am in hopes damage will be light or none at all.

Here is the weather map for April 11-2007


Iris seedlings emerging on April 9-2007


Hard freeze on April 10-2007 (no snow)


Light snow April 11-2007 (Unhappy robin)


More snow April 14-2007


More snow April 15-2007


Bleeding Heart April 8-2007


I tend to get a little long winded in my posts. My point is that I am hoping for the best for those in the path of this system. It seems like there are differing problems in different locations depending on geography. Those are the battles we face from time to time. Good luck everyone no matter where you live whether Arkansas or Alaska!

Well said, Leon. Hoping for the best weather for gardeners everywhere... but especially for the ones we love. ....

Leon ~ Yes, we all have had to face weather challenges from year to year. Still, all in all, nothing compared to the many people who have suffered major damages to their home, or worse yet, the loss of their homes...fires, floods...so much trouble around the world!

NGA is an oasis of caring, thoughtful gardeners who love to share their stories and plants...we are so lucky to be a part of this. Thank you ALL!

The snow is falling quite hard now, I just returned from going to see my friend's new born foal, it's sired by my Thoroughbred stallion. She's huge! and beautiful.

First iris bloom!

Sorry the weather is trying to mess up your Spring garden Tom!

Leon, those sure are sad images to any gardener - and that robin actually looks pretty miffed!

Foal! Snow

Here she is!

tom. what a cutie.

She is going to be a beauty!

So sorry about the endless snow.

tveguy3 said:Here she is!

Congrats on the new baby! She's a beauty! Today is my young horse's Birthday too!

She sure is beautiful ! Congrats to all!

Tom! She's beautiful!

She is so cute

Tom Congrats.