Zone 3 Lament
May 17, 2013 
If you're a gardener, you understand what I mean when I say Zone 3 is finally awake.
If you're not a gardener, Zones refer to the coldest extreme of a climate and the corresponding hardiness required by plants to survive that cold. In reference to North America, Zone 1 starts at the North Pole. Here in Zone 3, plants have to tolerate -40C (same as -40F).
I tried for many years to be a Zone 3 gardener.
I was defeated.
This sweet little harbinger of Spring is one of only a few surviving remnants of my early attempts to conquer this climate in pursuit of a lush and bountiful English Cottage garden. Among countless other ill-fated species - everything from foxglove to lavender - I planted 100 of these muscari bulbs. (See? I even remember the Latin term for "grape hyacinth".) If you drove by my house today you'd be hard pressed to believe a gardener had ever lived here, except for this one week in May when these tiny clusters of periwinkle blue pop up to say, "Congratulations, you survived another Canadian winter!"
My muscari forgive me every year for my horticultural failings. I feel like they're reassuring me that not everyone is born to garden, but they appreciate how hard I tried and continue to reward me for my efforts, however misguided they may have been.
If you garden - in any zone - you have my deepest admiration and respect.
If you have an English Cottage garden, please consider inviting me over for a cup of tea some time. ;)
Reader Comments (16)
As Little Blue Dragonfly pointed out, your photography is beautiful - frame worthy. I feel your pain. Sping never comes soon enough here in zone 5, however, mid-May and my entire vegetable garden is planted. Tomatoes are budding, seeds are sprouting. Most of my spring blooms are spent but the roses are all budding and if the temperatures continue (hi 70's yesterday) I should have blooms in the coming week. Unfortunately, the weeds are not taking a vacation this week and keeping me plenty busy.
Enjoy your annual success as long as you can, and frame some of these prints to remind you of what's to come each year - they are beautiful in their simplicity.
I think I'm in zone 5, but so far I've ignored a lot of that and forged onward. Many have not survived, but I am thrilled beyond belief that my from-seed Columbines not only popped up, but I picked my first bloom this afternoon! They are a delicious, delicate yet hardy soul and survive all the snow and cold Montreal could offer. Give them a try - William Guiness is a delightful dance of purple and white. Yummy! To boot, my 7 ft Cosmos came back. Where I didn't plant them, of course, but there they are. Hardy ding dongs, they are.
Having spent a lot of time in Texas amounted to confusion, too. You don't know hot til you've been in 126 F. Imagine the flowers. Imagine me! The nasturtiums never had a chance.
I'm a winter baby born in The Peg - I guess that says it all :)
I started growing lavender a few years ago and so far, so good. Just checked this morning, and both are thriving so far and we should have blooms by mid summer.
Love your pictures!
Must tell you, I was disappointed when I didn't win a copy of your book in one of the eight giveaways. So I was forced to purchase a copy and as a beginner to stitching, I have found it invaluable. I am working on my second quilt ever...a baby quilt because it's small. :) Your tips and guidance on the basics of embroidery thread...how to separate the plies...tie a knot...make a few basic stitches has saved time and my sanity.
Thanks..wonderful book!
Jennifer