As we approach the end of February I long for the first signs of Spring.  I seem to go through the same process every year.  Typically now February and early March seem to be the coldest months here in the Okanagan.  After just returning from a warm trip it is always difficult to adjust back to the colder temperatures.  Only days after coming back we had a significant snowfall which at least is protecting those tender shoots that started to come up in January.  We are now having some sunny bright days which always gives me a lift.  After walking through the garden today though there are signs of winter damage particularly on my climbing arbour roses and one of my hellebores in my large outdoor container.  The wallflowers that were just about to bloom look in a sorry way too.

I once again take comfort in the bursts of colour indoors provided by my cut flower displays.  I  am really enjoying the 3 vase arrangement that I picked up from the Quik Pik florist off of Prest Road in Chilliwack, BC (www.blossomwithquikpik.com).  I was also pleased too to pick up a gorgeous coloured hellebore (Lenten rose) on my recent trip to Costco.  I am sheltering it in the garage at the moment until it is safe to plant outside, i.e. no signs of frost.

Now is the time that I start perusing the seed catalogues.  Once the temperatures warm up a bit I will be starting to prune some of my shrubs and perennials.  Meanwhile in the garage new shoots appear daily on those tender shrubs and trees that I overwinter.  Signs of what is yet to come.