Earlier this month I wrote that I hoped to savor the season before winter arrived. Well, it arrived and there will be no “savoring,” for sure.

Yesterday’s snowstorm dumped lots of yucky, sticky snow as the temps took a nosedive. I certainly wasn’t dreaming of a “White Halloween” this year!

The containers on our front stonewall and the front-steps stoop will now greet guests with frozen limp leaves that recently accompanied beautiful petunias, begonias and marigold blossoms. So, when things melt a little, it will be time to replace them with some sprigs of hollies, rhododendrons and boxwoods.

Sadly, since almost all of the leaves are still on our trees, the weight of the wet snow on them broke off many branches. Especially affected were the Kousa dogwoods, which are still loaded with hundreds of red berries. So, lots of chores are in our immediate future, including receiving pruning recommendations from a licensed arborist.

On a positive note, we have received a complimentary copy of the 2021 UMass Garden Calendar. Produced at UMass for more than 25 years, the calendar offers daily tips providing gardeners with lots of useful information about growing, planting and maintaining plants in their gardens.

Each month features an inspiring garden image, daily tips for Northeast growing conditions, sunrise and sunset times, phases of the moon, and plenty of room for notes on low gloss paper for easy writing. To view sample pages and images as well as pricing and ordering information, be sure to visit www.umassgardencalendar.org.

Stay safe and healthy during this challenging time in our lives!