I know, I am not normal for a gardener. Not normal for anyone, really.

I have always loved Winter. So beautiful with the snows and freezing rains! So quiet in my woods after a few inches of snow, softly blanketing every limb and twig and path. With no leaves on the trees, we can see more of the winter wildlife, and the birds I love to watch. No nagging insects to bite me and make me itch! No painful sunburns! Going for walks in the parks or on the bike paths are much more enjoyable when your usually the only one out there.

I love the feeling of being cold when outside doing winter chores and then coming inside to get warm. I like wearing warm sweaters, thick socks and soft, fuzzy gloves.

Ice on crabapples and on pine needles


And, who can forget the holidays? Thanksgiving dinner, making cookies and fruitcake, sharing good times with friends and loved ones. Decorating the house with wreaths and red ribbons and putting up the Christmas Tree?

Seeing Santa Claws, the cat tree topper, as well as others in my extensive cat ornament collection



And, taking Josie to see Santa so she can give him her Christmas List!


And, then, when winter starts to wane -- Witchazels! My very favorite woody shrub!
In mid to late January, the promise of Spring arrives when the Witchazels start to bloom. They bloom for weeks and weeks, defying snow, ice, hail and terrible weather! I have about a dozen different ones.
Witchazel Arnold Promise is planted right by my front door, where I can really enjoy a close up view of the blooms, despite the weather! The fragrance wafts all around with the slightest warmth and sunshine.



Witchazel Diane, so lovely with her red/mauve/purple blooms against the snow.

Absolutely lovely Juli. Beautiful photos as well as sentiments.

Beautiful Juli all of it. I hope we get snow like that this year.

Winter is my second favorite. We get about one heavy ice storm a year, rarely get snow, and the ground doesn't freeze (or at least not for more than a day or two in even more rare extended exceptionally cold temperatures). Because I hibernate in Summer, these mild Winters are good to get the infrastructure work done. Digging, building, moving. And Winter is my cooking season for sure. Roasts, casseroles, and soups are all on the menu--particularly during those rainy weekends. Make a "clean out the fridge and freezer" soup that takes all the leftover broths, vegetables, and meats and toss them all in the pot together. Let simmer for two hours or so, toast up some French bread and yummy!

Beautiful reminders of the winters I remember as a child in Michigan ! So enjoyed your words and photos, Juli.

Thanks for the kind thoughts!

I do love all the seasons, but winter has my heart!