Frostbite Damage

The frost combined with the air temperature below zero made lots of damage in the gardens and fields yesterday.

Wistaria

Walnut tree

Cucumbers were under the cover!

Hydrangea

Frost

  I took all these photos at 5.30 this morning. It was -2°C and the pretty severe frost covered all the garden. The water froze in the birdbath.

Many plants were covered in ice and looked droopy. I knew that most of them would recover, but I am not sure about Japanese Persimmon. It still looks droopy. I'm afraid I lost this year's crop for good.

I am devastated, really.

The peonies recovered, thank God.

Hosta this morning, doesn't look much better now.

Such late April frost is not uncommon in the continental climate. That's why I never rush to planting sensitive species of vegetables, such as courgettes, cucumbers and tomatoes, before the 1st of May.

As they announced the cold night on TV yesterday, I went to cover them with flies. 

Early cabbage, kohlrabi and celeriac look undamaged.

Japanese Persimmon

The Japanese Persimmon is now three times its size than in 2013 when planted. Last year I counted 17 fruits. Many of them fell off before ripening. It is supposed to be normal for the young trees.

This year it is full of flower buds. Almost every leaf axis has one. I would be very happy if only a half of them turn into the fruits.

After the Rain 2

It was raining yesterday. The ground was not so wet as I expected and I went out to plant the courgettes and cucumbers in the vegetable garden. I hope this will prevent the slugs to crawl to my plants. I must say, I haven't found any slug in the garden yet! Only a few under the compost cover where I can easily cut them into halves with a knife. Sorry.

15 slimy now ex-slugs!

I hope it is not too early for the climbing bean. The temperature dropped to 6°C in the morning.

The lemon balm will soon be ready to cut. I love to put it into the summer drinks with lemon and mint. I am going to dry some for the winter.

The Swiss chard sprouted nicely.

Afrer the Rain

Last week was pretty busy in the garden as everything grows up like crazy, weeds too. The peonies bear buds, some of them opened early. I mowed the lawn for the second time this year.

Courgettes, gourds, and cucumbers grow bigger literally overnight. I can notice the progress every day. 

The only vegetables I didn't sow are climbing and French beans. I plan to do it on the next Monday. It is warm enough, and I hope there will be no frosty morning anymore.

The flower beds look promising. I can't wait for May and June when the most of the flowers look at their best. 

What's New?

My friends on the shed roof.

Rhubarb.

Courgettes, cucumbers, gourds, and squashes.

The red currant looks promising.

Ornamental cherry 'Royal Burgundy'.

Deutzia

Magnolia