SNOW COVER

• 3 Feb, 2015
• 4 likes

As gardeners, we have to look at snow somewhat positively. Primarily, snow cover acts as an excellent insulator of the soil. Snow cover helps keep the soil from freezing deeper and deeper thus preventing root damage. Second, with enough snow to cover small evergreen and non-deciduous shrubs such as rhododendrons, snow helps lessen the impact of desiccation (loss of water) in plants.

By keeping soil temperatures relatively stable, the insulating effect of snow cover also helps protect perennials, bulbs, ground covers, newly planted shrubs and small trees from heaving. Heaving is caused by temperature fluctuations. Heaving can break roots and also dry out plants.

But most important, a fluffy layer of snow brings an immense beauty to the winter landscape, turning it into an enchanting winter wonderland. All of nature is transformed, light is altered, and a stillness that’s unknown the rest of the year settles in.