The Secret Spring

In Central Oregon, when Spring actually happens it's usually a surprise. We never really know what March through June will bring us. In most parts of the country, Spring happens in March through May and then the balmy days of summer follow. Here, it could snow or freeze at any time between February and June and you never know exactly when to do what. I have heard it said that peas must be planted no later then St. Patricks Day. Well, some years we have a foot of snow on St. Patricks Day. I have also experienced a February when the weather was almost balmy, in the mid 50's and things started to sprout all over the yard! Of course, they were covered with snow again in March and April. I think of Spring here as the Secret Season. It sneaks up on you, and sometimes you have a wonderful one and other years it seems as if Winter lasts until you jump into Summer. The Spring of 2008 was one of those missing Springs. We had cold, dreary, snowy weather until June. The daffodils came up late and would be beautiful one day, then covered with snow the next. Most of them had to be harvested and brought in for snow removal and placed in a vase in order to enjoy. Finally, mid May when most areas of the country were well past daffodils and tulips, we had them all blooming at once! We left to go on a much needed vacation trip to Whidby Island in Washington for a week. While we were gone, Central Oregon experienced 5 days of unseasonal heat from May 15 through May 19. Temperatures ranged from 84 to 97 degrees during the day and 39-48 degrees at night. By the time we came home, it was back to normal, with 60 degree days and 28-30 degree nights. Every single spring flower in the yard was fried. Daffodils and tulips are great at taking freezing temperatures with very little damage, but get over 80 and they fry in a day. This does not happen very often, but when it does, make sure you are aware of drastic temperature changes so you can bring your floral booty into the house to enjoy for a longer period.