Ice follies

Just when I started to think my garden had made it through another winter, Spring hit with a vengeance. Unlike our warmer-than-usual winter months, April ushered in snow, ice and bitter temperatures. These conditions become problematic during this time of year because the magnolia has already bloomed, the crocus have popped, and the hyacinth and daffodils are in full bloom. Now I have a spring garden sprawled out like roadkill in my yard.

So, what to do? Sadly, there's not too much we can do to make the floral flatliners do a Lazarus impression, and rise again. Fortunately the bulb plants are used to this kind of weather, so they won't completely die off. If there's still snow on the ground, it will act as an insulator and actually protect them. If not, don't panic. Realize that while the edges of the leaves may take a bit of a nip from the low temps, it shouldn't stop them from blooming--even if the growth habit is more horizontal than vertical.

Okay, the structure of the plants have been compromised, so what can we do to make flowerbeds look better? Time to implement a few botanical beauty tips. Back in the day, I was a beauty editor for a woman's magazine; every photo shoot had some sort of issue: models showing up with bags under their eyes, the stylist's clothing samples not fitting correctly, a photographer's backlight blowing out. I discovered then that any problem can be solved with a bit of manipulation. And just like those ill-fitting gowns that often needed pinning, you can prop up droopy daffodils with a few artfully placed stakes and some decorative edging. Just be careful not to spear the bulbs when you place the stakes in the ground. And remember, the bulbs themselves aren't damaged, so next year's crop still holds the promise of a glorious bloom!

The daffodils below are the same sad shoots from the photo above. These bolstered narcissus are much more apt to live up to the root of their name: narcissism, which means admiration of one's own attributes. Let these sunny yellow daffs show off a bit. We all enjoy a good performance!