It's alive!
The bourgainvillea, that is. After that nasty January, I was sure our bourgainvilla was done for, despite my attempts to save it. We hava a lot of shade on that side of the house, and there was ice on the lawn and even the pathway after I watered the area. But fortunately, the clothes dryer vent is on that side of the house, so I tried to dry clothes late at night and early in the morning.
And wouldn't you know it...that's where the new growth is coming out! I'd given up ton he plant (a subtropical in a not-quite-subtropical area)... but it made it. In fact, I'd already started planing replacements.... you know, espaliered pears, intoxicating southern vines, etc. But that plant was determined, and I hated the thought of losing it under my watch.
Of course, we won't get the lush blooms this year...but that's alright. I'll let some morning glories and sweetpeas enjoy the "limelight." this year, and figure on blooms for next spring.
Oh, and all this crazy warm weather is really helping my early tomatoes and my spring greens. It's supposed to cool down a bit next week, so I guess I better get the tomatoes covered....Did anyone see that article in the Chronicle (or the Merc?) on winter tomatoes? I don't know if it's worth it to try all winter long (especially down here in Sunset 15), but it was encouraging to see how many tomatoe varieties you can plant in March. I've been doing that with dry-farmed Early Girls for years (covering them with broken aquariums and gallon milk jugs), but it's nice to know that there are plenty of others that can live w/out extra pampering.....