A Snowy Monster and Other Things in My Garden
Friday, February 11, 2011 at 5:00AM When I woke up yesterday morning, this is the scene that greeted me outside the front windows:
It was a perfect snow for several reasons:
1. I was off work, so I could stay home to enjoy it.
2. There was enough snow to be beautiful but not enough to block roads; so those who had to get about could do so safely, as long as they drove carefully.
3. It will all be gone soon, as spring-like weather is forecast for this weekend.
I quickly pulled on warm clothes and got my camera. I spent the next hour or so wandering around, snapping photos. I was euphoric over the snow which outlined the tree branches:
The old oak tree behind our house is a survivor. It was once a magnificent, perfectly formed tree, but its top was ripped away by the tornado that came through, exactly twenty-one years ago. I thought it would die, but it has surprised me!
I headed for the front garden, and for a moment a snowy monster gave me pause. Then I recognized an old rubber lizard, who has lived in my garden for about fifteen years. He's rather large, and the older he grows, the more life-like he becomes! Below the lizard are various garden ornaments.
Here's a scene from the lady garden. The snow brings out the lady's true nature: rampant and unruly!
And some views of the woodland garden:
The tree with the birdhouse is a trident maple. Winter highlights its lovely peeling bark.
I was feeling artsy with my new camera, so I enjoyed taking shots featuring snowy patterns:
Despite the snow, I saw signs of spring, as well as the last remnants of last year's dried seeds and blossoms:
After traipsing around in the snow taking all these photos, my hands were freezing! But no problem. Another nice thing about the snow is that it inspired Lou to build a fire, so this is what was waiting for me when I finally went inside:
Reader Comments (23)
Most lovely snow photos! We got a dusting of snow as well but it was all gone by the afternoon. I had to enjoy the scene from my bed as I was down with the flu. It was lovely though.
Wow! Wow! WOW!!! They are all absolutely beautiful. You may want to participate in the contest hosted by Gardening Gone Wild. I have gone through your photos several times. Beautiful! Do feel artsy more often.
Nice photos. New camera? does it have a macro lenses? Like the textures compilation. We have over 15-20" inches of snow in this part of Kansas. Looking forward to spring.
Lovely photos but you know I would focus in on the yard art.
I love, love the rubbery lizard. He has character. Just how large is large?
Ha ha, I thought at first that was a real live (dead) lizard! He is great! I love your snowy pattern shots ~ they are very artisitic. I can almost feel the warm coming from the fireplace after viewing your winter wonderland garden.
Absolutely gorgeous snowy photos Deb. I must admit, your rubber Iguana almost had me there...he looks frighteningly life-like! Your snow-laden trees are beautiful, but I really love your snowy pattern shots! Very creative, and beautiful!
Lovely, lovely photographs. I actually caught my breath looking at the woodland garden one! So very pretty. And thank you for your kind welcome to Blotanical also! :)
Superb photos Debs! The timing is perfect for you too being off from work when it happened.
Dear Deborah, Yippee!! Success at last. I have loved looking at the snowy images of your garden. The sprinkling of snow has given everything a magical quality. But what is so exciting is the flash of colour that sings through from some of your garden effects. the blue bridge is particularly special. And, a fire to warm you indoors...what could be more perfect!!
I could not get over your lizard. He DID look so real. I almost felt sorry for him. Your other images were lovely, BTW.
Looks like you had a lovely walk... you took some beautiful shots!
U have completely captured the 'euphoria' - your word - of snow and reminded me of a particular snowfall when I was a child and the wonder of it. Now if we get 2 cms I am like 'I hate snow!' So thanks for reminding me of youthful feelings!
Best
R
now if only i could have a snow like yours...so pretty but you can still see the garden...
I'm so glad you were inspired to head out and take some shots! They are lovely and I can just feel your euphoria as I felt the same way when we had our one inch last Friday!! Thanks for taking us along on your walk. I love that pop of color from the bridge in your woodland shot ;)
OK ... what I wanted to say ... The lizard is creepy because of his hat of snow. The combination of lizard and snow is unsettling, disturbing, and very effective! Comment, YES!
beautiful photos Deb, thanks I really enjoyed seeing them from my nice warm house, like you say it was perfect snow, your garden is coming on you have flower buds and flowers, your weather has been mild, keep warm, Frances
Holy Toledo! I thought the lizard was real! I am passing on the Stylish Blogger Award to you for your wonderful blog! Hooray!
Deb - what a wonderful walk through you are gardens! Your 'monster' absolutely looked real - so good to know it's rubber. The fire in the fireplace was a fabulous end to the journey.
I love all your snowy photos Deb but that lizard is a hoot! I told my husband yesterday how much I missed the lizards around the house and can't wait to see them again! (we call them Slippery Squirrels!! becasue that's what the dogs think they are!!) hahaha!
It was a beautiful weekend and the week ahead looks fantastic! Yeah!
Glad your oak it doing well!
Hi Deb, Thanks for stopping by my blog and choosing to add it to your favorites. It looks from your post as if you had great fun with your new camera. Your snow covered garden is beautiful.
Winter Wonderland! Your images are brilliant, you certainly got the best from your new camera. Even though it looks so beautiful, I'm glad that the sun is shining here with a real promise of spring. Enjoy your snow while you can, Christina
Deborah, Great post. Wish the snow lasted longer.. Now a week later we are in the 60's and my roses are waking up!!!! I wanted to tell you that Phillip Oliver from "Dirt Therapy" blog will be speaking at the Birmingham Rose Society this month. 2/28 6:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. I wanted to invite you to come and hear him speak about his garden. Hope to see you there!
Aw. I want one of those lizards!