VS Day (Victory over Snow)
I am pleased to announce that today is officially VS Day (Victory over Snow). The white stuff seems to be melting irreversibly now, and while spring is not yet fully established, winter’s day is done.
On Wednesday I had to drive down to Springfield, 200 miles south of Chicago, and I won’t be back until Friday. When I left Chicago it was actually raining, which should speed the snow melt along. Here in Springfield (and no, this is not where the Simpsons live) there is no snow at all. I’m going back to Chicago tomorrow, and hope to find little to no cold white stuff on the ground.
In fact, I am already excited about actually getting out and working in the garden this weekend. The ground will be frozen, sure, but there is plenty to do. I have to prune the roses, clematis, and honeysuckle. Oh, and I have to start on clearing plant debris, which in my garden is an enormous job. I am giddy with excitement.
Plus, when I left I noticed little crocus leaves poking up through the ground, and I am keenly anticipating the sight of the first crocus flowers.
I do worry about a cold spring. On this point, the Illinois State Climatologist has a mixed message. On the one hand, severe winters in the past have generally been followed by fairly normal growing seasons. On the other hand, for 2014 they are reporting an increased likelihood of cooler than normal temperatures for April through June. In other words, it’s too soon to tell.
But there will be plenty of time to fret over the possibility of a cold spring. For now, let us savour the victory.
gardeninacity 
I am so happy for you. Be careful that you don´t overdo the garden work. You know our bodies are weak after the winter 🙂 Just kidding. Nothing better than feeling used after a satisfying day in the garden.
Kidding or not, no doubt my back will be sore when I get out there.
Sounds as if its a good thing the snow is clearing you are showing signs of becoming stir crazy! ENJOY!
“Signs”? I think I am already thoroughly stirred.
Look forward to the update when you get home! 😉
Well, I just got home, and I have to say there is a bit more snow still than I had hoped for. Still a big improvement, though.
Hurrah, at last! I hope everything survived too.
As for that, time will tell.
Love your VS post and photos and wish you a happy clean up. I’d still have to shovel feet of snow to get to the ground, we got snow yesterday and there’s more forecasted. So, maybe I’ll grab my rake and head over to help you. 🙂
By all means! Then we can have coffee and cookies.
I do hope Spring really is coming your way. It’s taken its time. I know what you mean about getting excited. I am the same. I’m out there every hour of daylight and getting absolutely exhausted at the moment. And I’m enjoying every minute of it.
I envy you. Have fun!
Enough already with the winter! We are also taking a few steps forward then a few steps backward here in Raleigh. But compared with you, I can’t complain. We have daffodils and even my early tulips. It’s about time.
And compared to northern New England, apparently I shouldn’t complain either. We are a ways from tulips and daffs.
Huzzah for spring! Loved the victory posters. Too funny.
I love the one that says “Uncle Sam says GARDEN!” Reminds me of early Soviet propaganda posters.
Oh I am so relieved to hear winters’ grip is fading, I do hope you get a warm spring, we had a cold spring last year and it was horrible.xxx
We had the same. Very frustrating.
I’m elated for your victory!
Why, thank you!
It’s been a hard-earned victory. Hope that lithe crocus is smiling at you when you return. Enjoy your gardening weekend.
Well, I got home and the crocus had made only a bit of progress, now flower buds yet.
I do hope the spring turns out well for you, we need as many people growing their own food as possible
Well, it can’t hurt.
It’s going to be all go now Jason! I’m sure you’ll be breaking the back of those jobs in no time. Have a happy Spring 🙂
Thanks, Angie!
It’s nice to see colors other than white, even if they are various shades of brown.
The brown is mostly temporary.
I’m happy that your area has now been victorious in overcoming winter’s wrath. Unfortunately our orchard here in New Hampshire still has about a foot of snow on the ground.
Hope the snow leaves you soon.
I have a feeling that this spring will be as unusual as the past year(s) has been. Glad to see the snow gone, but I’m left with some very muddy ground. Not sure I ca accomplish much without wrecking things even more.
Depending how muddy things are, I may just do a bit of pruning.
Snow is starting to melt here as well, but tomorrow snow is predicted. I finally saw the Hellebores and they have buds. The ground is still frozen in a layer of ice so it looks like we are going to be waiting a while longer. Much deep ice in the river, and that makes our area have a much later spring than most places.
Winter is done here finally but spring is slow to show…too wet from the melt and almost 2 inches of rain to garden anytime soon.