The New Year has brought us some really bitter cold temperatures. The last couple of days have broken some records in the Greater Boston area.

Thankfully, although the recent blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow in our town, it was dry and fluffy snow and not wet and heavy. So, no damage was done to our shrubs and trees.

COVID-19 cases are in resurgence as we are now facing the Omicron variant. My garden club has cancelled/postponed in-person meetings, and some upcoming Flower and Garden Shows have been put on hold. I’ve not heard anything yet regarding the Boston Show.

Catalogs featuring plants, seeds and accessories are arriving via the post office, and the colorful photos are heartwarming for sure, if nothing else. And, there are always some new variety introductions to discover.

Rascally squirrels have eaten all the pretty red berries on the holly stems/branches decorating our front stairs stoop planter. In fact, they’ve done some digging, too, probably looking for acorns to eat. So, my “to-do list” should include renewing/refurbishing the arrangement design when we get a break in the weather.

While on the subject of critters, we have seen coyotes and raccoons roaming about at night, but not during the day. No deer, although some have been spotted in the nearby cemetery.

With no family gatherings this past holiday season, we did not put up a Christmas tree (the second year in a row). So, it was really special to receive thoughtful gifts including a lovely, fresh floral arrangement that lasted more than a week, a unique and colorful container/vase, and a linen hand-painted towel featuring a red cardinal.

We don’t want to complain when so many people are suffering. And, regarding the cold weather, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes: “There are some perks! Studies suggest that cold temperatures help reduce the number of emerald ash borer larvae that survive the winter. In fact, one study found that an impressive 98% of larvae should die off when temperatures drop […], a benchmark already reached in several parts of the country this winter.” Thousands of ash trees will be saved!

So, as we go forward this month it will be good to think about some celebrations that take place in January: National Bird Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, and National Tulip Day, to name a few.

Positive New Year Resolutions!