Published May 5, 2004

If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Does April Snow Do?

That’s what I’ve been trying to find out. That’s what we Newfoundland gardeners need to know.
Last fall I planted some bulbs in my flower bed. These bulbs are supposed to bloom in the spring. I was shocked a few weeks ago when the snow melted on one side of my flower bed to find sprouts coming up! I was so excited, but also a little worried. Our winter wasn’t over. There were still mounds of snow everywhere, and still the threat of more falling from the sky any day. Everyday I watched these sprouts grow with mixed feelings. I was so excited to see them coming up, but I was worried that they’d come too soon and were going to be killed before they had a chance to bloom.

Then it happened. I went away for the weekend and while I was gone we got the snow I feared. Some of my flowers had bloomed while I was gone, but when I got home they were covered with snow. I didn’t even get to see them in bloom! I was sure they were killed by the snow, but it turns out they survived with just one casualty. I was blessed to see many blooms in the following days.

Then it happened again. Another coating of snow. I should of taken a picture of the flowers while I had a chance. I’m not sure if they’re going to pull through this time or not. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

Have any of you had similar experiences or do you have advice to offer? I’d love to hear from you. Come on Green Thumbs, we Greenhorns need you. Fellow Greenhorns, speak up. We can learn from each other. You can email me at greenhorngardener@yahoo.ca. I did get a couple of calls last week and will tell you more about them in upcoming columns. Someone has suggested starting a garden club, and someone else has lots of hints and encouragement to share about vegetable gardening. What are your thoughts?

For those of you with curious minds, the bulbs I planted were crocuses and tulips. The crocuses are the ones that bloomed early and may now be dead. I’m hoping the tulips have survived and will bloom soon. I’ll let you know what happens.

It seems like we may finally be getting the showers, instead of the snow. At least I hope we’ve seen the end of the snow. Maybe we need to change the saying to April snow brings lots of woe, hurry up showers so the flowers can grow.