Snow Upon the Allotment

I found myself walking home in a snowfall yesterday. It turned out to be the most snow the city has received on a November 9th in more than 50 years. During my walk I passed a snow-covered street sign that inspired some melancholy and a poem.

Snow Upon the Allotment

There never was a sadder scene
than snow upon the allotment green
Plants not ready to give up
yet winter says 'that's quite enough'
Worry not my little plot
Rest and wait and dream
until the sun warms again
the soil of the allotment green

Sigh! It's never too soon to start counting down to spring.

Happy Gardening!

Berry Buffet for a Lucky Robin

At this time of year, colour in the garden is very hard to come by. So, it may not come as a surprise that I stopped dead in my tracks when I came upon this tree during my morning dog walk. 

Wow!

I have seen this tree in previous years, and I have always been stunned by its winter beauty. Unable to identify it in the past, this year I posted some pictures to an online garden group to see if anyone might know what it is. I'll need to do some more research, but it appears to be some type of mountain ash. 

I need this tree in my life! 

I need this tree to get me through the colourless winter months.

Berry buffet for a lucky robin

I was not the only one appreciating this lovely tree. A robin was enjoying a meal, plucking away at the plentiful berries. As i watched the bird, a short little poem came to mind.

Lucky Robin

Snowy day

Berry buffet

Lucky robin has found a place to stay

Robins are usually a harbinger of spring, returning from warmer climates where they spend the winter. In Toronto, though, some robins stay even through the coldest months. For those birds, I imagine this tree will become a favourite lunchtime hangout.

Berries dusted with snow.
More "wow" factor than I can handle

Now, its time for some research on mountain ash or Sorbus trees. I am most definitely adding one to my garden.

Happy gardening!