2012

This year spring has started earlier than I ever remember. We are at least 4 weeks ahead. It's only March 31st and the spring blooming bulbs are pretty well finished. The oaks are leafing out and the maples already have. This has been the hottest March on record and the warmest winter since 1895. Nine Midwestern states had their warmest March ever. In Illinois January through March had an average temp. of 40.9, which is nine degrees above normal. Supposedly there is no link between warm late winter and hotter than normal temps in the summer, but they tend to be on the dry side. Will check back in October on that:)

This summer turned out to be hot. July had 26 days above 90 degrees with 8 100+ degree days. This tied a 1901 record for most 90 degrees days in July. Not only was it hot, but also dry. I made no attempt to try to water, figuring it was pointless. Luckily, I didn't lose too many plants, only a couple conifers. August was not as hot, mostly mid 80's thank heavens, but still really dry. The worst part is that they are predicting more of the same next year. This fall and winter has been really dry; no snowfall as of mid-December and minimal rain.





2011

In 2011 the highest temperature was 94 on Aug. 12th and the lowest was -11 on January 10th.
Rain for the year was 44.14", with 47" of snow.
In January there was a daily record snow (5.6")
February was the second snowiest on record (20.9")
April 5th was the wettest daily (7.33") and a record high of 84 degrees F. on the 3rd.
May had a record high of 91 on the 11th and a record daily rain (2.79").
June saw a record daily rain of 2.63" and in July there was a record warm low on two days (79 degrees F.)
October tied the driest month with .67" of rain.
November had two days of record rain (1.09" and 1.36").
December was the 10th warmest and had a record daily rain amount (1.46").

2010

It is official as of today (Jan. 1, 2010), we had the second wettest year on record (2009) and missed the record by less than an inch. We had 54.44 inches of rain, .91 from the number one spot. Normal average rainfall is 36.03 inches. This year (2010) is turning out to be a rainy one, also. Violent weather, heavy rainfall, lots of snow in December and cold temps. We had a new snowfall record in 2010-2011 winter: 52.5 inches. The old record was set in 1978-79 (51.6"). Spring and early summer was cool and wet, with summer fairly normal temps and rainfall. We did have some hot summer days in the mid to upper 90's, but compared to the rest of the country with many days in the 100's for weeks at a time, it was minor. Fall and early winter has been unusually warm. Christmas saw upper 40's for highs. On my Christmas break, I am going to be able to work outside and finish up winter chores with sun and 40's predicted until the end of the year.



Saturday, November 6, 2010

Epimedium ilicifolium

Epimedium are the new "perfect" plant for shady areas. They aren't bothered by insects, deer, slugs, or voles. They make a great groundcover. The only downside is that a lot of them look alike and the bloom is fleeting in the spring (plus the deer do like the flowers). But at this time of the year, they take on a nice fall color and are untouched by the critters listed above. This one has fantastic spiny foliage, almost like a holly.
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