On the 18th of January we got a real snow, the first in 2 years and I felt inspired to post some comparison shots. Such a contrast between a blanket of pure white snow and the pageantry of spring color.
Baptisia alba and iris Jesse's Song with rose Cl. Old Blush
There were actual flowers in the snow, too. The witch hazel (seed grown from 'Jelena') started blooming before the cold descended upon us and is still in full bloom now. Temperatures below 5F didn't affect the open flowers, a testament to their extreme cold tolerance.
Two branches in the center of the tree look they may have 'sported'. The branches are bare of leaves and the flowers look more orange than the rest of the flowers.
To compare the two:
This summer I'm going to try to root these branches. Michael Dirr says that cuttings from witch hazels are easy to root but difficult to overwinter their first year, so it sounds like it will be a challenge.
Pretty as a blanket of snow can be, it's no match for spring in full regalia. You did a great job matching up your seasonal comparisons.
ReplyDeleteWow, what wonderful photos these comparison shots are. Thanks for sharing ~ FlowerLady
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these kinds of posts! I never seem to take time to photograph different parts of the garden in different seasons, but it's an awesome comparison.
ReplyDeleteMy absolute favorite kind of garden photo: same spot, different seasons. Yours succeed wonderfully because of the great framework that makes the snow patterns almost as decorative as the floral shots.
ReplyDeleteI love your seasonal contrast shots. It's a great idea that we should all try, but seldom remember to. Your purples look beautiful. Thanks for dropping by the blog! I don't think we've crossed paths since Blotanical folded. Nice to reconnect.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I always think of 'Jelena' as having orange flowers, so perhaps your sport is sporting to its cultivar form?
ReplyDelete'Jelena' does have orange flowers, but this tree was grown from a seed from 'Jelena'!
DeleteI enjoyed your comparison photos and its so nice to be able to appreciate the garden in all seasons. Thank you for stopping by my blog. I plan to be back and look forward to your gardens in spring time. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow! Nature is amazing, and you did a great job showing the contrast in different seasons' pictures!
ReplyDeleteYour garden comparisons are gorgeous! It's good to see your garden again. xogail
ReplyDeleteLove how you contrast the same spots in bloom and with snow. We're getting a real snowstorm right now - maybe 20" by tomorrow!
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