Snowfall in May is not unusual in our area of NYS but the degree to which it is welcome here is probably not favorable. These Forsythia plants grew from three whips that were given to us by a fantastic gardening pair. Untrimmed, they have established themselves as reliable in producing flowers. Their location at the base of a conically shaped glacial deposit is the site of frequent unusual weather. Snow accumulated in only one small part of the hedge. How and why that happened cannot be explained by us. This section of the nearby driveway always receives more accumulation of snow than occurs anywhere else. Somehow the winds from the north unload their snow load before being pushed up the hill. It is a common import from Europe or Asia and we hope it is not on the list of plants to avoid to protect natives.
Surprisingly, Creeping Phlox is a native plant. Placed near the edge of the broken stone path, it has grown into a huge specimen. Perhaps the heat and dryness near the stones have pushed this plant to its glorious presentation this year. Its former location in rich damp soil threatened their life itself. We expect snow melt to reveal absolutely undamaged plants.
Magnolia is also native to both North and South America. This Canandaigua bred tree has survived our zone 4 weather. Usually few flowers were seen as the deer were eating the buds. This year a four foot high wire fence was placed around the plant. Low wire garden cages were placed against the vertical barrier to block any path to the tasty buds. Orange plastic fencing made the barriers very visible. For the first time our special tree is covered with flowers. The time to get rid of the unsightly fence is now.
Mention must be made of the source of this hardy magnolia. Miller Nurseries supplied us with plants for decades. These two brothers took great pride in the quality of their nursery stock and we were always pleased with our purchases. Sadly, one of the brothers passed and the business was closed. We miss the quality of the purchases made there but this tree always reminds us of its source.
