Late Spring Musings

At one time, as a gardener I thought I was at the mercy of the weather. I felt unexpected rain storms, excessively hot springs or long dry spells were a curse to my normal progression through the seasons — unexpected glitches in the enjoyment of my roses or the harvest of my vegetables. But over the years, I've realized that nature gives as well as it takes and I've learned to roll, and even enjoy, the unexpected surprises that come my way. After all, averages are just averages and normal doesn't really exist. This newfound appreciation has given me a keener understanding for how plants (and insects and disease for that matter) grow and develop, and made me a better gardener.

This spring has been a perfect example. In Exeter, CA, we had a mild, wet spring with intermittent hot spells and some long stretches of very cool weather. Everything bloomed late. My citrus was several weeks late, and I'm wondering what affect the cool weather will have on the size and quantity of fruit. My roses on the other hand love this weather. In California's central valley, Memorial Day weekend is usually hot, sometimes very hot. This year we barely got over 75 degrees - it was downright balmy. My “Iceberg” roses, and all my cool — season flowers, think they're living it up on the Coast. The blooms are long-lasting and they just keep on coming. Now, if I had already planted my impatiens and zinnia, which I usually do by this time, I would probably be a little less appreciative. So this spring Mother Nature is smiling on me. I'll worry about my tomatoes and corn later.