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Weather Predicting Friends
Written By: Jeannie Chambers - The Accidental Gardener | Issue: 2015/03 - March
According to the old Farmer’s Almanac, in 2015 the vernal equinox (which is also called the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere) falls on March 20 at 6:45 P.M.
As much as we would like to believe it, we know that Spring will arrive when it gets good and ready — and usually not until May. As a matter of fact, locals know not to plant anything until after Mother’s Day. So what can we do while we wait…and wait…and wait?
Consider the plants that are already growing and embrace them. There are at least two plants that never abandon us here in the winter – sometimes their greenery is the only color we see for weeks and weeks; Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. This month is all about the rhododendron and how it earns its keep as a weather predicting friend.
If a plant could become a “friend,” then the tenacious rhododendron may just become your best friend. Why? Because a friend shares several characteristics with rhododendrons — 1) Dependability – because, in this area anyway, we can count on them to be most anywhere in the mountains; 2) Giving — because they give the most beautiful floral display in early summer, but until then, they give us hope and promise; and 3) flexibility — because the rhododendron can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at her.
So, the next time you look at a rhododendron, really look at it and see what it’s trying to tell you. Don’t worry if it’s too cold or too warm – just know that the rhododendron will be there for you, just like a true friend.
