We have experienced an unusual amount of snow this month and it has only been within the last several days that the snow has subsided to a degree that we might determine what has survived and what has perished or is so severely injured that the only recourse is removal.
Prior to the last snow the canvas was removed from over the broccoli as it was feared the slender sticks which form the frame would not support the additional weight of snow.
The plants had been sheltered under canvas for near to two weeks’ time in complete darkness but we found the plants perfectly preserved when the cover was removed. In the ensuing snow storm the plants were very nearly buried which protected them from the freezing weather that followed.
Of all the plants in the kitchen garden we were most concerned about a curious cardoon that we had transplanted from Mr. Lewis’s garden several years ago. It is unlike any other cardoon I have ever grown in that the stalks are much slenderer and leaves far pricklier than the cardoon commonly seen about town.
I suspect it is similar to the ancient thistle from whence both artichoke and cardoon arose. For those unfamiliar with the plant it is a close relative of the artichoke but rather than consuming the flower buds as one does with the artichoke, the leaf stems are blanched and used as celery.
As this is the only specimen of its kind about town we were very concerned that it might be lost in the severely cold weather.
To protect artichokes and cardoon over the winter months one must insure that the crown, being that area from whence the leaves arise, is not allowed to freeze.
Over the average winter a simple covering of canvas thrown over hoops suffice. However this winter the frame supporting the canvas collapsed in an earlier snow fall which obliged us to replace the canvas with a large pot, turned upside down over the plant, and then straw was mounded over all.
When we uncovered it the other morning, to our great satisfaction, we found the leaves perfectly unharmed and the crown preserved.
Dear Wesley,
So glad to hear not all was lost to the unusual winter in CW. My plastic containers are still under snow. I hope by the weekend I might be able to get to them to see if any need replacing because of the severe cold temps we had. I’m hoping none have cracked. I’ve ordered my tomato plants and await their arrival in late May. Also I have ordered and received some of my lettuce and root vegetable seeds. I hope the weather improves to the point that I can plant them in early to mid April. Last year I had to wait too long and the lettuce harvest was small. My fall planting was better.
Have a great Spring and I look forward to reading about the garden.
Your humble student,
Chris
So happy to learn that your hard efforts in preserving the plants have proven to be a success!! Can’t wait to visit in a week or two and see the changes that are taking place in the gardens!!
Thank you for the updates and your consistencies…