"But now 'tis winter, child, and bitter north winds blow. The ways are wet and wild. The land is laid with snow," writes the early 20th Century British poet laureate, Robert Bridges, in his lament about February. And, so it goes for this 21st Century February, as well. Even with the sun shining and temperatures warming,
slowly, I might add, there is too much snow
still on the ground or it's just
way too soggy, to get much done outside but it's a good time to start cuttings for the coming spring season.
No matter the condition of the winter day outside, bright or dreary, the greenhouse offers a tropical forest
Northern Virginia style--warm, moist, pungent and peaceful. And, the geraniums,
oh the geraniums--be they scented or your typical garden variety, are raring to go. The rosemary, myrtle and bay cuttings I made in the early fall are looking good and healthy as well.
After making cuttings from the scented geraniums, my hands smell like a summer bouquet of rose and lemon with mint and a hint of coconut. I carry them into the kitchen to plant in small pots and the green aroma sprinkles out of the big farm sink mixing with the morning scents of cinnamon and sugar, coffee and cream.
Finally, the annual lavenders bloom out, "Don't forget us!" Don't worry I won't! I collect a couple dozen cuttings or so to start with from Spanish lavenders, wild French and fringed lavenders and Canary Island lavenders. These are much easier and very rewarding lavenders to propagate as they bloom freely starting in spring and lasting throughout the summer months all of the way up until the autumn frosts really gain strength. That's
if you keep dead-heading them. Their sharp and piney aroma opens up my sinuses and travels past the boundaries of the kitchen and far enough to peak the dog's interest, sitting at the front door waiting for his morning walk.
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| While getting set up to plant lavender cuttings, I ate the last of the lavender-chocolate truffles my friend Kay, owner of Little Apple Pastry Shop in Aldie, VA made for me. She used Blooming Hill lavender, of course and they were absolutely delicious--as you can tell from the empty container. She sells them in her shop so be sure to stop by Little Apple Pastry Shop and try one--or a few--of these little lovelies. We will also be selling them here in April for Easter. What a nice gift the Easter Bunny can leave in someone's Easter basket. |
For the time being, I can forget the icebergs floating in the slushy grass all over the backyard and take comfort in yet another ancient gardener's tale,
"Much February snow, a fine summer doth sow." Let's hope that the wisdom stowed away here is true, as the cuttings and I are counting on it.
