Roses on parade

Meteorologist Burton Fitzsimmons from YNN News just gave Austinites the good news: so far, we're way ahead on rainfall for 2012, and for the first time in nine months, Austin is no longer in "exceptional drought" status. We're not out of the woods yet, with conditions ranging from "extreme" to "severe" drought across Travis County (the northwestern tip remains in "exceptional" drought status, near the Balcones Wildlife Refuge). But as Burton says, it's a step in the right direction, and my garden's roses are a testament to that. The rains have rejuvenated these hardy roses, most of which appeared to be on death's door last August.

'Lady Banks'


'La Marne'


'Buff Beauty'


'Old Blush'


'Dame du Coeur'


'Mutabilis'


March is coming in like a lamb, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s during the day and 50s at night. Jack and I are debating whether to take down the pop-up greenhouse over the lime trees, so the lime blossoms can get a little more bee lovin'.


What do you think? The 10-day forecast is looking pretty promising for spring's solid arrival. Hard to believe that NOAA was wrong about a dry La Niña winter and Punxsutawney Phil was wrong about six more weeks of winter, isn't it? Should I take a chance?


Words and photos © 2009-2012 Caroline Homer for "The Shovel-Ready Garden". Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.