As we all know, Groundhog Day is celebrated each year on February 2 in North America. The tradition derives from the Pennsylvania Dutch superstition that if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den, and winter will continue for six more weeks. However – if it does not see its shadow because of cloudiness, spring will arrive early!
Perhaps in a continuous theme that has seemed to occur recently – our reliable groundhog, known as Punxsutawney Phil, DID in fact see his shadow. Meaning 6 more weeks of winter…
While it’s a fun tradition each year to recognize…SPOILER ALERT – studies have found no consistent correlation between a groundhog seeing its shadow and the arrival time of spring-like weather. Not sure if you find this to be good news or bad. But either way, its important for you (and your landscape) to be prepared for whenever Mother Nature decides to usher in warmer weather.
If the groundhog is right…then it is important to continue to be vigilant about taking care of our outdoor and potted plants. Remember that tropical plants are not immune to the adverse effects of freezing temperatures. Moving potted plants inside and outside regularly can cause undo stress on the plants. So you may want to consider just moving plants indoor for the duration of the cold months. However, outside plants need attention too. At the Greenery Garden Center, we use N-Sulate frost cloths to protect our outdoor plants and shrubs. Sheets can cause limbs to break and plastic tarps don’t allow the plant to breathe. But N-Sulate cloths help covered plants to stay 5 degrees warmer as well as protect against frost without weighing down branches. Keep in mind that this cloth will not help when there is a hard freeze.
Another important measure to take before a frost or drop in temperatures – is to make sure that plants are properly hydrated. Be sure to thoroughly water at the base of each plant. The exception to this rule is for succulents. Because they hold water and water expands when frozen, any freezing temperatures can cause succulents to break open.
Maybe you will opt to bring the outdoors “in” during these last weeks of winter. A great option for you might be the Peperomia. This hearty plant was selected as House Plant of the Year by the National Garden Bureau because of its vast selection and ease of care. Peperomia’s prosper best with bright, indirect light and in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. The Greenery Garden center has a wide array of houseplants to choose from to help fight off those winter blues you may be experiencing. Studies have shown that having indoor plants can help you recover from illness quicker, reduce stress levels and improve indoor air quality.
But maybe you’re ready to prepare for Spring and forget about the groundhog’s prediction. Then stop by the Greenery Garden Center today. The daffodils and hydrangeas are in and blooming! They are certain to brighten your day and your yard! We also have a wide variety of fountains to start sprucing up your yard and outdoor area to prepare for warmer weather. There are large, small and even tabletop fountains available for any space.
In the Lowcountry, the last official ‘frost date’ is around March 15th – so it is usually best to hold off planting sensitive plants outdoors prior to the end of March. Of course, The Greenery Garden Center DOES have a large selection of trees, shrubs and perennials that can be planted now to get you ready for spring! Just ask anyone at the retail store what might survive a late season frost. Our staff is happy to help.
So whether you are counting on more winter or clinging to the hope of sunshine ahead – come visit The Greenery Garden Center today for all of your gardening needs.