Back in Winter.

3-13-26 SHORT HILLS: The summer days are over and we’re back in March. The thermometer hit 80, before crashing. It was T-shirt weather, and when the wind blew it was a welcome respite from the heat. 

This morning was 30 and windy after two days of rain and snow. The snow all melted on contact with the ground. One big plow pile still remains, although it much smaller than it was.

I did some pruning of broken branches while it was warm, and started on broken bamboo. There is so much that I will need to have the yard guys do most of it. I’m pleasantly surprised by how little damage we got to trees and shrubs.

Buds on the early shrubs are swelling and starting to open, but the cold wave put a freeze on it all.  

New blooms: crocus, vinca minor.

One crocus, lots of others are biding their time.

A few Vinca minor have opened.

One forsythia flower and many buds, waiting for a few more warm days.

A viburnum is ready.

Quince with tiny leaves and tiny flower buds.

Spice bush has round flower buds.

Hydrangea also getting ready for the ball.

Daffodil looks eager.