The new year sidled in upon the snowy shoulders of our first winter storm.  Delicately laced trees rose above the downy blanket of snow that quieted and comforted the landscape.  It was, at once, beautiful and treacherous.

Snow, for many, is merely a nuisance. Although the aesthetics are undeniable, the beauty, for most, does not outweigh the hassle. Snow is very much a four letter word for the majority, but nature, specifically flora, views the snow entirely differently. Snow, in fact, can be a lifesaver in Winter.

Snow, as you may know, is an insulator, and helps warm and maintain soil temperatures. Because the heart and majority of any plant or tree lies below the surface, the warmer soil temps aid in the plants’ survival. The same insulating properties help protect perennials, bulbs, and groundcover from the potentially damaging effects of the freeze-thaw cycle. Without the presence of snow, coupled with milder temps and sunny days, the soil’s surface can temporarily warm, leading to soil heaving, which can injure roots and dehydrate plants.

Additionally, snow provides much-needed moisture for the plants’ root systems. Snow also acts as a barrier to drying winds, like an anti-dessicant, thus mitigating water loss. Snow can also help reduce soil erosion from cold, drying winds. Think of it as nature’s blanket. Your garden does!

Snow also highlights the beauty of structure and form, from trees to perennials to ornamental grasses. It can be as beneficial as it is stunning.  Feel free to reach out to Sweeney’s with any of your winter needs.  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Snowmound Spirea

Clusters of white flowers bloom in mass upon graceful, arching branches May – June.  Deciduous shrub grows 4-6′ tall and 4-6′ wide.  Prefers sun to partial sun, and moist, well-drained soil.  Attracts butterflies.  Deer resistant.

“Then, comes the snow in its beauty,
Each flake a pattern of lace
That floats in the air, so gently;
Then, finds its own, special place.”

~Gertrude Tooley Buckingham

Warm wishes,

Kim Sweeney