As I have been locked inside my home for a week with the flu (finally over and doing much better), I had plenty of time to develop the winter blues. Here in NC it has been feast or famine with the weather. In December, we had a record number of days of temps below freezing (3 weeks in a row); I know some of you look at that and laugh, but when it hasn't been freezing or snowing, the temps have been mild. Next week temps will be near 70 several days. Anywho, I finally walked outside today for my normal spring rounds to make sure no critters are bothering my peonies. Deer tracks and poop everywhere, and couple of peonies got deer hooves in the crown, but for the most part, everything was intact. Lo and behold, 3 of my tree peonies are pushing out stems and leaves. These usually bloom in mid to late March so I guess the time is right. And, my daffodils are up and have unopened buds. Now, I am not so blue anymore and looking forward to spring even more. Maybe that groundhog in Pennsylvania was wrong and we will have an early spring. Hope springs eternal.

So sorry to hear that you got the flu. I know how bad it can get as my son is being hit with it now! Poor kid - suffering since yesterday when the symptoms began! The flu is making the rounds at his school. I am so happy to hear that spring signs are springing up in your area. That means my area will not be far behind. I am looking forward to see some blooming activity from my snowdrops, winter aconites, and hellebores. It sure will be nice to see some growth and color after such a cold Dec and Jan.

I planted tulips, daffodils and snowdrops last fall. I have lots of crocus but not a lot of luck with the tulips. I love snowdrops but not sure how well they will do here. they are really kind of a zone 5 I think. I am a 4/5 dependent on the winter temps. But it is heartening to hear that things are growing in someone's garden - even if it is way south of us. lol

I'll be eagerly watching for your first pics of the year! Still have at least a full month before I can reasonably expect to see any signs of life here in CO, at least in a normal year. We've had much warmer temps overall this winter than normal, unfortunately less precipitation as well. It's supposed to start snow/rain tonight and get cold for the next few days, those poor roots must be truly confused by now!

Gary, thanks for starting this thread! I'm glad to hear you're recovering from the flu!

Karen, I hope your son has a speedy recovery! Our school system here has been slammed with the flu, and my son in college in NC had it 2 weeks ago. After a course of Tamiflu, oral steroids, and having to use his inhaler, he still had congestion for 2 weeks, that is finally getting better after starting a Zpack this week.

We've had a really cold winter this year, with 2 episodes of snow, an ice event, and we had sleet earlier this week. Now more rain tonight, and we're under a flood watch for tomorrow.

I'm not complaining, I'm thrilled about the colder weather, that's giving my peonies the best chill time that they've had in years. All of my plants for once are still in the pip stage. The 2017 fall peonies are in pots, due to a strong possibility of my family moving to a new home in the spring. I'll also have to start digging out my favorite peonies if this move is going to happen, not a task I'm looking forward to doing.😖

In past years, I would have some newly planted peonies sprout during winter, only to have their growth killed off by cold snaps. I'm thankful this hasn't happened this year.

Further, I usually have daffodils and crocus blooming by now, but not this year. My pink hyacinth mix is just starting to bloom in the front garden.

I had the flu back in December and the congestion lasted an additional 2 weeks. When I finally got over it I was so glad not to be coughing! I hope you continue to improve, Gary! Karen it sounds like your son is well taken care of! I hope he keeps improving.

I normally have daffodils blooming by now. My hellebores got frozen and the blooms look terrible.
We are quite warm and under the same flood watch as Annette. Last night when I was walking around my place after work I heard some Spring peeper frogs! 🐸🐸. That was so encouraging!

I have snow crocuses here and there. My snowdrops are putting on their usual show. I believe after this week of mild temps and rains the Peonies will nose up more.
Last Spring was a disaster with early warmth and two late freeze events. Most of my Itohs got frozen out and there were not as many blooms.

Let's hope we all have a good Spring!!

Wow, your blooms are making me so envious, LG! That is the sight I am hoping to see in my garden soon. I just love these early blooming bulbs! They are so wonderful after a long winter.

Oh my! I heard that the flu is really bad this year all over the US. What are the odds in this small group of peony addicts that the flu hit two of us and two family members? I just hope that I won't get it after my son is passed.

Yes, my husband was hit with the flu early in the year then has had a couple of colds as well, I've avoided it so far this winter. It's been a nasty season, feel for those who've battled it. The worst part here is how long the coughing keeps going after the initial illness passes, think Jeff's coughed all winter. We're going to Tennessee to visit our daughter over spring break, that'll be when it hits me, the change in humidity gets me every time.
It's an icy world here this morning. Had a tiny amount of snow overnight and it's very cold, all of the trees are covered with frost. Pretty but so cold looking, so ready for signs of spring!

So cute little flowers, LG! I can see them only in pots in a local grocery store right now Feel sorry for all who caught the flue, we are having the same up here, nasty staff. I hope to pass it

Although I love winter, still cannot wait for spring! I took out a potted peony (small extra root of Mrs. FDR from last year order) from the cold room and now it is showing growth. It's just fun to watch them growing!

You must be joking! What spring? We have a foot of snow in Toronto in the last couple of days and it is still snowing ! It looks like a middle of winter.

You and me Alex. Cold with wind. Garden under at least a couple feet of snow. More coming., Anya, how can you be so perky and you are further north than I am. Course, if I had a bucket of peonies sending up sprouts I guess I would feel pretty good too. Keep debating digging out my two pots from the snow and bringing them into the garage, but them I would have to provide light. Alternative the crawl space. Same problem though. The 55F would make them grow but no light.

It's definitely winter here! Finally they promise warm temps and snow next week (though we have enough snow lol). I have a few pots with peonies in the cold and dark room, some are for my friend who does not have these ideal conditions for overwintering peonies I watch my peony seedlings growing but it is not enough (it looks like one died). I want to see real peony growing and I hope for a flower! It's sunny and winter blue is gone. It's time to saw first seeds - for flower baskets, that's what I am doing right now!

I went outside in between the rain drops today to check on my peonies, pips are increasing, and since I last checked last week, Irena Sendler has leafed out. We have no further freezing temps for the next 9 days, so I expect the plants to progress.

Irena Sendler


The camellias, crocus and hyacinths are also starting to bloom. Did I forget to mention I'm also a camellia addict?

Loving the garden pics, Annette! Have snow on the ground here but am not complaining, much worse in many areas of the US right now.

Thanks Liz! Lots of rain here but thankfully no snow.

I adore camillias but I can't even keep them alive in the house. Your flowers are so welcome to see. We received some snow for two days, light, and now it looks like rain and sleet. Great driving conditions tomorrow.

Annette it's good to see all your blooms. I don't know how you are ever going to move out of that house!! I would want to dig so much up and take them with me!

Thanks Mary and LG! At this dreary time of year, it's good to have something blooming in the garden.

LG, it's mind boggling to think about how many plants will have to be dug up for the move ! All of my Ithos, tree peonies, and most expensive peonies like Lois' Choice will have to be done.

All this snow is a good thing, I think, as everything was very dry last year. The ground moisture should be replaced when it melts.

Wow, those flowers are so wonderful, Annette! Bet they must perk up your spirit seeing all that color and blooms. The pink and red camellias are just gorgeous!