Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Waiting for spring!


Hurry Spring!!!

We are in Zone 9 . . . it is really rare for us to get
 freezing temps that burn the plants.

Well, this year it started early in November and just about killed everything that last year's unusually cold winter didn't kill. Big time bummer!!!  I always rely on taking cuttings and starting them during the winter months when I have had the best luck.  There isn't too much to take cuttings from.

Out of all the hibiscus I had, only one remains.  I am feeling fortunate that it is my favorite, the fluffy red doubles . . . very easy to propagate.  The plan is to take the cuttings now and take the chance that more cold weather won't kill any new growth that it encourages.

The aucubas are a bit crispy, but there is still some green . . . more cuttings!

The cold weather started for us in November, just when the black eyed susan vines were starting to bloom and cover the fence.  I didn't take photos :(  Time will tell how hardy those gorgeous vines really are!  They just might come back, especially after the hard rain we had yesterday.

I'm really down about the damage, but the good news is that future freezes won't make much more damage.  It  has already happened!  I'm just looking forward to Spring and starting over again.





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