TRR photo by Sandy Long

Passing the midpoint

Whether it is celebrated as Groundhog’s Day or Imbolc, the midpoint of winter passed earlier this week. Looking at the lingering winter landscape, one might doubt this, but even encased in ice, the branch reveals its latent buds.

Falling halfway between winter solstice and the spring equinox in the Northern hemisphere, Imbolc is a Celtic term for spring that may have spawned the current celebration of Groundhog’s Day, during which the furry mammal is observed for whether or not he sees his shadow upon emerging from his den. On February 2, he did, thereby indicating the likelihood of six more weeks of winter.

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The garden turns in its sleep during February. It’s the time when heat is pumped into cold greenhouses, readying them for propagation. Days are lengthening despite endless onslaught of snow and ice. More light is penetrating, enlivening lethargic houseplants. A new season begins with fresh aspirations for the nursery.

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Scholarships available to students in plant sciences

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY—The Master Gardeners of Sullivan County are offering two $500 Terry Forshay Memorial Scholarships for local students. The deadline for submission is April 1.

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