Author Topic: Harbingers of Spring (Read 1626 times)

jvs · « **on:** February 29, 2012, 05:31:13 AM »

After a relatively mild winter here in Pa, I noted some of the things lately that Spring can't be too far away. I know I am behind some of you guys in the south and midwest, but these things are unmistakable when it comes to predicting how soon it will warm up more and when it will be time to get things done outside again.

1. The buds on the Magnolia have fuzz that is beginning to lighten up, I know the buds will soon start cracking open in another couple of weeks and full bloom by the end of March I think, depending on how cold it gets at night.

2. In the last week and a half the flocks of Blackbirds and Grackles have returned from their warm winter down south, the Robins can't be too far behind. The Snow Geese are also on their coastal trip back north to the Arctic Circle. Not so with the Canadian Geese, they stayed here for the winter.

3. The red tips of the early shoots of the Peonies and Rhubard are now poking out of the ground. They can take any freezes that may still be in store.

4. The Elderberrys, Gooseberrys and Red Currents all have started sprouting more. If I were to want to have more plants this year, this is the time to take cuttings.

5. Finally, the lawn is turning from a light brown to have green woven in. Another month and the Lawn Tractor will have to get busy again.

I think I may have to get into the garage this weekend and start getting the tiller and lawn tractor ready. I am also taking a hard look at those packs of seeds of Peas and Spinach that I bought last month.

lakota · « **Reply #1 on:** February 29, 2012, 09:50:43 AM »

I saw a robin this morning here in Ohio.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #2 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:14:25 AM »

Spring turkey season opens in less then 3 weeks!

We done had the rest of that stuff for a bit...

powderman · « **Reply #3 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:26:50 AM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on February 29, 2012, 10:14:25 AM

Spring turkey season opens in less then 3 weeks! We done had the rest of that stuff for a bit...

YEP, here too, daffodils blooming and yesterday I used the tiller in my wifes 2 flower beds and it worked up really nice. Burned a small pile of limbs last night and heard a flock of geese heading north. Robins been here since mid Jan. Mildest winter I've ever seen in KY. Only got down to 14-15 deg 3 X all winter with maybe an in or so of snow for the entire winter. POWDERMAN.

jvs · « **Reply #4 on:** February 29, 2012, 10:27:48 AM »

The sure-fire sign that Spring has arrived is when the earthworms make an appearance for the first time. Right now the ground is still frozen and they won't make the trek to the surface until the ground thaws. Every Spring, after a rain, the worms are all over the place. After that, they do what worms do for the rest of the year. Their initial emergence every year is something to see.

I believe that most birds, especially the Robins, come back for the early feast and for nest building during that time.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #5 on:** February 29, 2012, 11:16:01 AM »

Quote from: jvs on February 29, 2012, 10:27:48 AM

the ground is still frozen

frozen ground? $:-\$ That's a joke right?

smokehouserex · « **Reply #6 on:** February 29, 2012, 11:23:59 AM »

I cut the grass last fri. and noticed the mole tracks all over the place, I have never cut the lawn this early before, IIRC. Bradford pear trees and some dogwoods here behind the house are blooming,, also a man told me yesterday that he was "tearing the crappies up" here in the lake, he said they were mostly slabs, altho there is soooommmmmeeee question as to the truthfulness of fishermen's tales,,,,,just saying??
I believe we had only 3 or so nights of 16-19 degrees this winter, STRANGE WEATHER.
HM

reliquary · « **Reply #7 on:** February 29, 2012, 01:47:49 PM »

Here in Lower Zone 8, I have a Junegold peach tree already in full leaf with fruit just slightly smaller than marbles. It is a bit early...too warm, too soon. Also have two apple trees that are just dropping petals and showing recognizable clusters of fruit, and another peach in full bloom.
Frozen ground? Not much of that around here, any time.

longwinters · « **Reply #8 on:** February 29, 2012, 02:54:17 PM »

Well we got 15" of snow today........but I did see some grass when I was snowblowing......

Long

Swampman · « **Reply #9 on:** February 29, 2012, 02:56:43 PM »

The dew berry vines are blooming like crazy here. Everything is budding out.

lakota · « **Reply #10 on:** February 29, 2012, 05:01:46 PM »

Quote from: AtlLaw on February 29, 2012, 11:16:01 AM

Quote from: jvs on February 29, 2012, 10:27:48 AM
the ground is still frozen

frozen ground? $:-\$ That's a joke right?

All of the ice is ankle deep mud for me right now!

keith44 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 29, 2012, 08:04:42 PM »

Quote from: longwinters on February 29, 2012, 02:54:17 PM

Well we got 15" of snow today........but I did see some grass when I was snowblowing......

Long

We had just under 0.2" of rain yesterday, and temps hit the low 70's

reliquary · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:11:01 AM »

Swampy...what part of the world are you in? I'm in the Middle East...of Texas, that is.

longwinters · « **Reply #13 on:** March 01, 2012, 11:28:31 AM »

I can see there is a strong bent here towards warm southern states....I feel discriminated against...

Long

reliquary · « **Reply #14 on:** March 01, 2012, 11:41:08 AM »

This is the Junegold. In the background another one is in full bloom; Ruston Red...I think.

jvs · « **Reply #15 on:** March 01, 2012, 11:45:19 AM »

Quote from: longwinters on March 01, 2012, 11:28:31 AM

I can see there is a strong bent here towards warm southern states....I feel discriminated against... Long

Don't take it so hard there long, the tears are going to freeze fast to your face. You don't want that to happen.

longwinters · « **Reply #16 on:** March 01, 2012, 03:25:13 PM »

Tonights weather..... Long

keith44 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 01, 2012, 07:47:04 PM »

trade ya, tonight and tomorrow they are calling for the worst tornado out break of tornados since 1974

battening down the hatches, wishing the root cellar was complete, instead of just on paper.

jvs · « **Reply #18 on:** March 01, 2012, 09:38:50 PM »

you and your family stay safe Keith

longwinters · « **Reply #19 on:** March 02, 2012, 11:00:48 AM »

My daughter and SIL used to live in Louisville. It was surprising how many tornado's they had down there. We have very few in our area. If you see the witch riding by on her bike make sure you remember your ruby garden boots.....

Long

bilmac · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2012, 11:27:25 AM »

Yea, but I can still go ice fish'n

keith44 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2012, 02:05:58 PM »

well they say the worst of it has passed, lost a few shingles, ready to install a steel roof. Lots of damage in surrounding communities, but I have not heard of any loss of life.

Thanks for the well wishes (and the advice about the ruby boots

)

all is well here.

longwinters · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2012, 03:52:03 AM »

Glad to hear it.

It's still snowing here

Long

jvs · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2012, 11:18:15 AM »

I went out to the garage this morning to see what might need a battery charge, and there it was ....

The FXDWG ....

First things first.

keith44 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2012, 12:17:28 PM »

knees in the breeze on a wide glide

it don't get no better

cjclemens · « **Reply #25 on:** March 05, 2012, 04:50:21 AM »

I've been seeing some of those harbingers of spring, as well...flowers starting to pop up, Maple trees putting on buds, robins hopping around and singing...and they all got snowed on today. Just when you think winter is gonna pull a no-show, mother nature sends you a reminder that she's still in charge....

reliquary · « **Reply #26 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:37:41 AM »

Not to brag, but my squash plants were getting too tall for their pots and I set them out. WTH...I can start some more if they get nipped.
Every fruit tree I have is either in full bloom or full leaf w/budding fruit. I've started the spraying schedule. This is three weeks early according to the almanac.

keith44 · « **Reply #27 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:23:29 PM »

the buds on my blueberries are starting to open ...

longwinters · « **Reply #28 on:** March 06, 2012, 12:48:45 PM »

The snow melted a couple of inches today....

Long

lakota · « **Reply #29 on:** March 06, 2012, 03:19:00 PM »

It may be my imagination but I though I heard red wing blackbirds calling today. I didnt see them. Seems like when they come back spring is really right around the corner.