A recent significant snowfall has put the brakes on my poking around looking for signs of hyacinth bulbs, iris blades and daffodils. But we need the snow. Snow keeps the Berkshire soils cool and moist through March when early wildflowers are starting to grow, and peas need to be sown. This lazy gardener hates the idea of watering plants in March.
The snow hasn’t stopped early insects and arthropods. I saw what turns out to be a ‘snow mosquito’ in the woods near a wetland when temperatures were right around 35 degrees. My nosy dog discovered a cold-looking beetle or cricket on the snow surface. And sure enough, snow fleas (also known as springtails) were also bouncing across the snow looking like a scattering of black pepper near some decaying ash trees. Wet snow, cold nights, and brighter days signal all animals and plants that it’s time to get moving. None of these early insects pose any danger to us or the forest and they benefit the ecosystem. Snowfleas (not really fleas but arthropods) help break down bits of vegetation and convert it into fertile soil. They are eaten by a variety of small predators from flies to fish larvae.  Learn more about these important creatures at https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/snow-fleas-are-harmless-and-abundant/319257.html
One thing I’ve learned about the Berkshires is it’s good to have (or have access to) equipment for different scenarios. I like snow but I don’t want to hurt myself while dealing with it. We test the snow’s weight with our shovels and plan the best method of removal. We can quickly whisk away a light dry snow. Deep but light snow suits the snow-thrower well; however, it takes time. Our last storm of heavy snow on March 4 meant calling in the guy who has a snowplow. If you have a sturdy truck and a knack plus no desire to sleep in on snowy mornings, you could do well plowing snow.
A discussion of snow and snowplows may not seem like a gardening concern. But that snow will need to go somewhere and hopefully not piled against your prized tree peony or antique-rose bush from Great Aunt Helen. I mention this now because, as we dream of new trees or that gorgeous spring witch hazel, we need to think about where it will live year-round. Do not plant shrubs or trees where you usually pile heaps of snow. Do not plant tender sweet perennials along sidewalks that get a-‘salted’ when ice is forecast. The salty water will flow off your sidewalk and into the soil effectively killing your special plants.
While we wait for the snow to melt, a few gardening thoughts for now and later. My pretty red amaryllis blooms have faded and I’ve cut the stem to where I can see the new growth. This plant will put out strappy leaves that I will care for like a typical foliage houseplant this spring.
My other foliage houseplants could use a dusting. I do not dust houseplants mostly because it doesn’t seem to really remove the dust. However, I will bring a few of them at a time to the shower and hose them off with a gentle spray of lukewarm water. I gently wipe any film off the leaves and leave them to dry. Once I return them to their usual spots, they will better absorb light for photosynthesis. That reminds me—some houseplants, especially ones of shady tropical origins, will stay greener if you move them back a few feet from windows now as sunlight intensifies into spring.
When snow covers the ground, it’s time to take your lawnmower in for service. Sharpen blades and be sure everything is in working order.  Service now before you need your mower; then when grass needs cutting, you’ll be ready. A quick inspection of your other garden tools makes sense, too. Sharpen pruning blades and hoe edges. Oil wooden handles with linseed or mineral oil. You can also take advantage of early spring sales to replace broken tools now.
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I call myself the Lazy Berkshire Gardener because I don’t want to work too hard in my gardens. I want to enjoy them. I find it easier to observe my landscape and let the compost happen, the water pool up or daisies to self-sow. I look for ways to do the minimum task for the biggest impact. For example, mulching is better than spraying and much better than weeding all season. I look for beautiful low-maintenance plants that thrive in or at least tolerate my garden conditions. Plus, I’m willing to live with the consequences if I miss something.
