“Every rose is prey to winter.”

A close-up of a pink rose partially covered in snow, surrounded by green leaves and buds, set against a blurred snowy background.

A light dusting of snow fell over the garden today, covering the last of the autumn leaves, and the unkempt lawn. So, for a moment, everything looked soft, still, rested and made even the piles of weeds look charming.

A garden scene with a snow-covered fountain surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs, under a gray sky.

It was a frozen moment in time that covered all the areas I had been working on but I had not finished. Like the blocks of mulch to spread, the weeds waiting to be moved and the autumn leaves to be raked up. A cloak of soft snow made everything so beautiful.

“In winter, I plot and plan.
In spring, I move.”
Henry Rollins

Since I began gardening, I have developed a strong interest and fascination with the weather. It has crept up on me slowly, being involved with rural life and the need to be aware of weather conditions when farming, which is, in essence, a larger version of a garden.

A garden scene featuring a flowering shrub with pink and white blossoms partially covered in snow, set against a wooden fence.

Living in the city, the weather was something for just a quick check at times to see if it would rain on any given day on the way to work or, for an important family gathering or to know what clothing to wear for a day out on the harbour. It was hardly of great importance, really.

A garden in winter is the absolute test of the true gardener
Rosemary Verey

A close-up of a pink rose covered in frost, showcasing delicate icy crystals on its petals against a dark blurred background.

In the country, though, the weather is the basic background of each and every day. When you live on a farm or winery or have a large garden, it is important to know the weather forecast and to plan accordingly. And if nothing else, the weather is also a conversation point never far from anyone’s lips.

Anyone who thinks that gardening begins in the Spring and ends in the Fall is missing the best part of the whole year; for gardening begins in January with the dream.”
Josephine Nuese

A snowy garden scene featuring a stone fountain surrounded by blooming bushes and a brick wall in the background.

It occurred to me during the snow fall today that in the space of about a month, we have experienced a range of weather from very dry conditions of hot sun-filled days with no rainfall, to massive dark cloud formation, hail and electrical storms, fog, clouds and bleak overcast days. Then we had typical autumn rainfall that was like Irish drizzle, crystal clear skies and more sunny days, and now snow, sleet, plummeting cold temperatures, and continual rain. Remarkably, all these aspects of the weather occurred within a short space of time.

“The colour of spring is in the flowers, the colour of winter, is in the imagination.”
Terri Guillemets

A snowy backyard garden featuring a small round table and two chairs, surrounded by greenery and plants, under a gray sky.

I’ve never had snow before in the garden. Frost, fog and icy temperatures in the past have snapped brass fittings off taps and created havoc with watering systems at times, but never snow. It seems that snow is gentler than frost and I’ve since learned that
it can be, not only too warm to snow but also too cold for it to snow.

“Stillness is the flower of Winter. All hope waits beneath a blanket of white.”

A close-up of a pink rose covered with a light dusting of snow, set against a blurred snow-covered background.

Snow requires moisture, so heavy snowfall happens when the air is warm near the ground. Hence, the reason in regions of NSW, where they experience very low temperatures in winter and heavy frost, but due to the dry air, snow is rare. Yes, the weather remains surprising and unpredictable.

“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle.”
Luther Burbank

A winter garden covered in a light dusting of snow, with visible green leaves and colorful roses peeking through, surrounded by greenery and a metal chair.

Unlike frost, which can burn plants and cause severe damage, snow although cold, seems more gentle and it is thought to be beneficial. It acts as insulation, provides wind protection and hydrates the garden and soil. The garden roses definitely now will be on the way to dormancy which is a good thing.