Adverse Weather
I have wanted to start this topic since spring 2011, but it seems I've not found the time, that is until now. Here I am, sitting in a cold dark house, 3rd day without power, with dim candlelight flickering, but bright Android phone screen, with small but fully capable access to nargs forum.
Our long and warm (at times hot) autumn abruptly came to an end with a Halloween surprise, the combination of leaves still on the trees and 14" heavy wet snow created the perfect storm. The damage to trees and shrubs is devastating, 15'-18' ornamental trees looked like 4'-5' snow muffins, how could a big tree possibly be inside? I didn't want to know, but as the snow started melting, it was heartbreaking to see all the shattered stems, the branches peeled off as easy as peeling a banana. For some of these trees, maybe I should just cut them off at ground level and let a strong sucker become the new start.
I don't mind the lack of power, cold house, difficulty finding anything open (such as gas stations), long gas lines... I do regret the waste from the need to throw away most food in my warmed up refrigerator and freezer, but it sickens me to see the devastation to my yard and garden. Pictures coming, once power is restored in a few days.
It is these types of setbacks that surely test a gardener.