I am beginning to wonder if it will ever warm up here at Maplewild. This month so far there has been another significant windstorm, snowfall and very cold temperatures. The wind tore off nearly 65 square feet of roof this time, knocked the power out again and generally tested everyone’s patience. Last week it was more snow and then very cold air leaving the roads a skating rink. I am not sure that my winter garden will survive this round of the elements. It was 16º this morning and yesterday it never reached 30º. It is already down to 22º and the night is young.

Good weather to feed the wood stove by. It is a great time to thumb through the seed catalogs though. Lots to plot and plan for, the upcoming growing season, what to grow? Blue Hubbard Squash, Pruden’s Purple Tomato and Chioggia Beets for sure, oh the choices.

A few tips of Siberian Kale poke out of the snow and ice

Collard Greens partially snow covered and frozen solid

I don’t know if my poor greens will survive the punishing weather but if they croak, they will have put up one heck of a fight. This is the worst winter we have had here in my lifetime, I guess I will go into next winter with a cold frame or two! So much for the mild Pacific Northwest.