Friday, February 20, 2015

Remembering Summer

Cranberry Bush, Winter 

I thought I'd post this series of winter/summer photos to remind us, who are weary of the snow and cold, that summer will come again. Despite -20 F. temps here and unrelenting snowstorms in eastern and southern states, we have every confidence that we will enjoy warm weather and beautiful, flowering plants again in a few months. Add another month for Wisconsin.


 Cranberry Bush, Summer

 Astilbe, Winter


Astilbe, Summer


 Echinacea, Winter


 Echinacea, Summer

Rudbeckia, Winter

Rudbeckia, Summer

View From Our Deck, Winter


View From Our Deck, Summer

I would imagine that it won't be long before some of you are planting your cool-weather crops. Right now, it's almost hard to imagine.

We can't set out tomato plants until about the 5th of June. Parsnip seed can be planted in early May. How about you? When can you sow seeds directly in the soil and when can you set out tomatoes?


 In a few months, we'll see all this glorious color!


But for now, we'll wait...

and be content with...

Colorful sunrises.


Have a great weekend, everyone!

***

Check out my natural, handcrafted vegan soap!
Buy any 5 or more, Get 1 FREE

'Chai Tea'
Handcrafted, vegan soap

...and more! Check out all my handcrafted soaps at


Although I usually forget to do it, there is a chance that this post will be linked to one or more of these great linky parties:  Amaze Me Monday and Inspiration Monday and Mosaic Monday and The Barn Collective and    Treasure Box Tuesday and Vintage Bliss Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Rubbish Tuesday and Our World Tuesday and Tuesdays at our Home and Tuesday with a Twist and  Knick of Time Tuesday (vintage)  and   Tweak it Tuesday and Vintage Inspiration Wednesday and Ivy and Elephants Wednesday and Adorned From Above  and Artsy Corner Thursday and  All Things With Purpose and Home & Garden Thursday and Good Fences on Thursdays and  Time Travel Thursday and Freedom Fridays and Vintage Inspiration Friday and Simple Saturdays Blog Hop and Saturday's Critters

65 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

Lovely seeing these photos. The contrast between the two seasons reminds me that it will be warmer soon. In the meantime we are told by the forecasters that there is a 100% chance of heavy snow tomorrow in our part of Virginia.

The Cranky said...

Cool weather veggies like peas, lettuce, radishes and spinach can start being planted around mid-April here if the weather cooperates. Tomatoes and the like can't go in before mid-May without protection from suddenly falling temps. We're on the edge of zones 5b and 6, and caught the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes weather systems.

The Cranky said...

That last line should read * caught between the Ohio...

Arlene G said...

Beautiful photographs and I think we are all longing for sunshine on our shoulders as the late John Denver sang so beautifully!! I know it would make me happy!:)

Debbie said...

I always soo enjoy looking at the winters that soo many of my blogging friends have. Honestly having lived in So California my whole life you have no idea how hard it is to imagine such a life. It is soo beautiful though and soo different. The view off of your deck both winter and summer is breathtaking. I'd love it. Don't garden at all over here Though just told my hubby last night that we need to tell the gardner to plant the spring flowers. Enjoy your day!

Linda Kay said...

Judy thank you so much for your comparative pictures this morning, so refreshing. Here in Texas, we can set out plants probably mid March, and seeds can go in the ground now. Our plants are already coming up from the ground with lovely green spikes.

NanaDiana said...

Judy -what great pictures of the two seasons. Although I did want to get out my magic marker and cross out the winter ones on my screen. lol (only a blond would do that, right)...

I am SO anxious for some warm weather. xo Diana

Cheryl said...

Oh, thank you for this visual reminder! Summer will come again (God promised that it would) even though it feels like it will never be warm again.

Beautiful pictures!!

Angela said...

"When can you sow seeds directly in the soil and when can you set out tomatoes?"

The "Vegetable Planting Guide" sitting next to me says we can plant lots of things starting February 3rd, and tomatoes can go in the ground March 17th. :) Our neighbor's tulip bed is blooming spectacularly right now!

MadSnapper said...

I am so glad you posted the winter/summer photos. they are amazing to me, and both are beautiful, just a different kind of beauty. your view off the deck is to die for.. love the cranberry summer photo... in Florida we can grow all year long, but then you knew that. in our part of Florida, not all of FL.. hope the sun shines on you today.. the weather is Whacked

Diane said...

So interesting to see those photos together. Our climate is really amazing, isn't it? Of course, the cold extreme we've had lately I could sure live w/o. Stay snug! Spring will arrive!

EG CameraGirl said...

Fabulous then and now shots!

Nancy said...

A wonderful post to illustrated that to everything there is a season. While I grumble about winter, I am grateful for the time it provides to stay inside and knit, read, dream, and recharge. Despite the season, God's blessings are limitless if we only look around our world.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, my friend! I love the colours and the contrast with snow.

TexWisGirl said...

love the comparisons! all beautiful in their own way!

Joanne Noragon said...

Thank you for stopping by and getting on board. I'm doing likewise.
What an amazing series of contrasts. I wonder if I would have the patience to put it together.
I have a dear young friend who lives in Wisconsin, between Madison and Milwaukee, further south than you. I've been through the upper half; my mother's preferred vacation route for "going west" was through the upper Michigan peninsula.
And, we don't plant much before June 1st.

betty said...

Thanks for visiting my blog (A Bench with a View) and becoming a follower. This was great to do the contrast of pictures like this and to remember that once again spring/summer will be coming back! I love the view from your porch; that is stunning!

betty

21 Wits said...

Me too! me too! I've even been taking mini youtube vacations to bring happiness through all this deep freeze of winter-bliss! Enjoy your weekend, stay warm and happy!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Love your flowers in summer and winter! It's been cold here too but we don't have the snow. So it is a blah landscape. Can't wait for spring!

Heide at ApronHistory said...

Love the contrast of those photos! It has always amazed me how the Creator has made plants and animals that can survive such drastic swings in temperature.
We are about a week or two ahead of you on planting. Usually we wait until the last day of May, just to be safe. We keep telling ourselves we could plant carrots or lettuce earlier, but that never happens! We are thinking of trying a cold frame using some old storm windows.

podso said...

What a great post and beautiful contrasts. I love that very green pic with your red chairs, what a view you have! Good focus on the sunrise! There's always something to be grateful for. Have a good weekend!

L. D. said...

Your comparison photos are great to see. Good job finding them all and posting them.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Great idea to see the same shot in winter and summer. Well it something to look forward to now.

SImple and Serene Living said...

These are all beautiful, but I have to admit I like the summer ones best. Can't wait. xo Laura

Ginny Hartzler said...

Oh my gosh!! I LOVE your comparisons here!! I don't think I have ever seen Astilbe, it is gorgeous! And the first cranberry picture is so very pretty! I always thought that cranberries grew in kind of a watery bog. This is because of that commercial of the two men in hip boots standing in water full of cranberries.

Judy S. said...

Great photos, Judy! Those snowy ones made me cold, just looking at them. Hope you are enjoying some good knitting time. How's that sweater coming?

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

You have a beautiful view from the back no matter what the season. Enjoy your weekend sweet friend. Hugs, Diane

Sue McPeak said...

Oh, I so enjoyed the contrast between winter and summer in your beautiful photos. It does give us hope for warm weather...even though we don't have such differences here in Texas, I can appreciate your readiness for Spring and Summer.
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

Lorrie said...

Comparative photos like the ones you've shown make me realize how quickly the seasons turn and how it's important to live each to the fullest.
We have no snow and an extremely mild winter but I still look forward to planting the garden and seeing the flowers bloom.
We plant cool weather crops in early April, but most seeds go into the ground at the end of May. Tomato plants are out about then, too.

Alex said...

Oh brrrr ~ minus 20!
What a clever idea the matching summer and winter pics!
It must seem a very long winter.
Thank goodness for knitting and pets!
x

Optimistic Existentialist said...

These are some awesome images, but I am enjoying the snowy winter here in KY :)

Deb said...

Big "Ahhhhhhhhhhh" here. Just to see photos of flowers gives me hope. :) We always wait until the May 24th weekend to plant anything in the ground. I'll be happy just to see some crocuses show their little faces in the Spring. I thought of you today, Judy. We drove by a lovely piece of land near our lot and it had a sign at the road that read 'Cranberry Farm'.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Judy,

What a lovely idea to contrast the winter/summer vistas. I enjoyed seeing the view of both seasons. Delightful!

Wishing you a beautiful weekend....
Brenda
xox


Dicky Bird said...

I love the contrast too. Under the blankets right now and the summer pictures look so good

Stephanie said...

Such a beautiful post, sweet Judy! I loved seeing the contrast between the two seasons - each season is beautiful in its own way.

Happy weekend to you! Hugs!

Pamela Gordon said...

Awesome post Judy. I love the contrasts between winter and colourful summer and can't wait for the snow to start melting and the temperatures to creep above freezing. I am winter weary. Thanks for the pretty flowers. Blessings. Pam

Anonymous said...

Ha! Quite the contrast for sure but that's what makes seasons so interesting. Of course that's coming from a person who lives in 4 mild seasons. Hang in there.

Michelle said...

Winter does have its own beauty, but nothing compares to the colors of summer!

Rose said...

I love that last view...it is so beautiful. Really loved the sets of photos...I am trying to be patient in waiting for summer but it is getting harder.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love your comparison photos of the flowers, Judy. And the views from your deck are both beautiful but I have to say the summer scene gets top prize! Have a nice weekend!

Anonymous said...

The memory of summers past is all we have to cling to right now. This has been a wicked winter. 81.4" of snow so far with more coming our way this afternoon. It's an actual -8 right now not counting wind chill. Our safe planting date is the last weekend in May. I hope the ground is clear by then. :-)

Vee said...

Interesting comparisons and interesting to think of all that must come in to play for these changes to take place. The standard gardening answer here is that it is safe to plant after Memorial Day and not until. Many folks plant peas early and are very proud of themselves if eating peas on the 4th of July. I have only sown flower seeds directly and have been so disappointed by the delayed results that I don't bother anymore.

Soon, comparatively speaking, you will be sitting on your deck enjoying the lush green view.

eileeninmd said...

Beautiful collection of images.. I love the berries.. I am longing to see signs of spring..Stay warm and enjoy your day!

Debbie said...

what a great idea, i really enjoyed the two contrasts!!!!! my astilbe are the same color as yours and i LOVE them!!

our gardens are very similar and i can wait to see all that color again!!

have a great weekend!!!

Debbie said...

but you know what this proves.....you don't need color for beauty!!!

Tanna said...

I'm convinced our Heavenly Father knew how we would take for granted and soon forget to appreciate the perfect warm days... or the beautiful snow... and so in all His wisdom, he lets us long for the next phase... The older I get, the sooner I know it will be here soon... beautiful photos. blessings ~ tanna

Dee said...

What a unique post...I love contrast of Winter and Spring flowers...thanks for taking the time to show us.

This N That said...

I love your winter/summer collection..Wonderful idea..Thanks for sharing..

Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse said...

It was so interestig to see the view from your deck in winter and then in summer. In May, we have three days that are called the "ice saints". After those days, we can put our tomato plants in the garden.

Suzan said...

Fun comparisons!!
What a big difference 6 months can make!!! I walk my Augie every morning in this freezing cold unless it's raining and wish my face would make a come back like your lovely flowers and scenery :-}}}

Cynthia said...

Gorgeous, wish the warm weather was around the corner. 8 inches of snow ⛄ today in NJ

Cindy

Karen said...

If we are voting, I vote for SUMMER!!! Beautiful photos!

Linda said...

I have had enough of winter...and I say it is high time for spring/summer...only, I am not a heat/humidity kinda' girl,wink. Thanks fo r sharing your pics. Blessings

Debby Ray said...

Every one of these plants, whether in winter, summer, spring or fall have something of beauty to offer! Every seson brings something special to the table. Stunning photos, all! May you have a blessed Sunday!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh my, so beautiful - I think both seasons are equally lovely! I wish I could grow tomatoes....our summers are too cool here in the mountains. Everything struggles, except short season varieties. I can grow anything that likes cool and wet. Spinach anyone? :) Hope it warms up for you soon! xo Karen

Eugenie said...

I can imagine how much fun it was to collect these photos. Yes, the contrast is amazing! I love snow, but this year we have a snowless winter, and it is boring and tiresome. Now we are just longing for spring.

J_on_tour said...

Lovely post comparing Summer and Winter, it looks like you are developing the first seeds of weather patience :-)
We seem to get all kinds of weather in one day at the moment !

What Karen Sees said...

Lovely series of photos. Yes, spring will come, even in Wisconsin. We have a little winter home nestled in the red rocks of southern Utah and our neighbors from Wisconsin also have a winter home here. Just this week we are seeing trees bursting with blossoms. I don't think they are anxious to go back home very soon!!!

Terri D said...

Working on catching up on blogs! I love this photo journal!! Of course, I much prefer the summer shots, but the snow is beautiful (from afar!)

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Isn't it amazing how that flat expanse of snow can melt away to flowers and buzzing bees in a short period of time?
I remember summer too, love the insect activity in my gardens.
Thanks for sharing your summer flowers and linking to Mosaic Monday Judy.

Donna said...

Judy what a treat to see the summer blooms that match similar seed heads in my garden although most are now buried under so much snow.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

All so lovely and I like the ways you have shown the before season and after season images. The bottom image is so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Wow, such gorgeous photos, Judy. I started a new blog and hope to get back into blogland. Have a nice weekend, Mildred

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

What a view! Lovely pictures, sure make me wish for spring!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy

Michelle said...

Judy,

I'm so glad I missed this post til now :)

We are in the midst of Summer, presently.
However, not much color here. We are surrounded by green trees.
So, if you would like to see a lot of green, not much else...come visit us.

Thank you for the beautiful colors....I'm dreaming xoxo

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails