We recently lost two 14-ft. junipers in the three nor'easters that came rapid-fire, one right after the other. The snow (typical for March) was remarkably heavy and came down at such a rate that we couldn't do anything to save them. For those of you who aren't from cold climes, the spring snow is wetter and therefore more dense. It clings to the branches in a beautiful way, but causes more damage than the fluffy dry stuff we get during colder temperatures.
The snow clung to the greenery, quickly freezing to the branches, impossible to safely dislodge. The trees heaved up out of the frozen ground at the roots, bending and breaking boughs, simply unable to bear the weight.
We loved these junipers because at night they would fill up with birds. If I walked past them at dusk, they would begin to twitter and quiver, alive with our feathered friends. They would chirp softly until full darkness. Delightful.
So, we will miss them, but are determined to look at this as an opportunity to give the birds new evening shelter. If you live in a tough winter area, you learn to garden without an overly soft heart (I'm still trying).
Now, what to plant?! There is more shade there than when we first moved in; high shade from oak trees that we planted about 15 years ago. There is southern exposure, and a bit of a microclimate protected from the wind by the side of the garage. No wonder the birdies adored the spot!
I'm thinking big shrubs. I'm full of hope that the birds will settle back in as soon as they see that this is the same cozy roost. We have other spots in the yard for them, of course, but this was a favorite cozy nook.
I'll plant new shrubs, add bulbs at the base, and put a bird bath right in the middle to woo them back.
Think spring! You deserve it.
The snow clung to the greenery, quickly freezing to the branches, impossible to safely dislodge. The trees heaved up out of the frozen ground at the roots, bending and breaking boughs, simply unable to bear the weight.
We loved these junipers because at night they would fill up with birds. If I walked past them at dusk, they would begin to twitter and quiver, alive with our feathered friends. They would chirp softly until full darkness. Delightful.
So, we will miss them, but are determined to look at this as an opportunity to give the birds new evening shelter. If you live in a tough winter area, you learn to garden without an overly soft heart (I'm still trying).
Now, what to plant?! There is more shade there than when we first moved in; high shade from oak trees that we planted about 15 years ago. There is southern exposure, and a bit of a microclimate protected from the wind by the side of the garage. No wonder the birdies adored the spot!
I'm thinking big shrubs. I'm full of hope that the birds will settle back in as soon as they see that this is the same cozy roost. We have other spots in the yard for them, of course, but this was a favorite cozy nook.
I'll plant new shrubs, add bulbs at the base, and put a bird bath right in the middle to woo them back.
Think spring! You deserve it.
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