Thursday, February 11, 2021

Midwest Gardening: Snow, Critters, and Squirrels!

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Midwest Gardening: Snow, Critters, and Squirrels

In February Chicagoland has been covered in multiple heavy snows. Seems we never go a day without at least a dusting. Temperatures have been frigid. 

oldnewgreenredo

I took these photos after the first BIG snow. It's been a few years since we have had sustained cold. We sure have been getting our exercise.


oldnewgreenredo

I've been worried at not seeing any bunnies. After the snow stopped and we were clearing our driveway...I could see LOTS of tracks from the night before. Plenty of bunnies. We have a heavy coyote population about 8 blocks east of here, 12 coyotes spotted at a time. So, it's nice to know they have ventured near us.

oldnewgreenredo

We have have had two other large storms since these photos. The winds were fierce and from the NEast. some of this is from the blower, but the light pole in the back right,  is covered also!

 Luckily the snow compacts a bit, but getting into the yard is an issue for some of us, but not the Critters.

oldnewgreenredo

 Our entire yard is covered with tracks of bunnies, raccoons, tons of squirrels and who knows what else.


oldnewgreenredo

This was after the first big snowfall, and not so bad, but this is after 3 hours of shoveling and lots of sun.

oldnewgreenredo

Anyone who follows my Midwest Gardening posts, will recognize this is the pond and my fishing boy and girl! No blower or sun back here either, it was too deep. 

holdnewgreenredo

Here's our Adirondack chairs after the first snow.

It's quite the slog to the composter now...with eighteen plus inches on the ground and frozen.

oldnewgreenredo

We took a quick ride the next day---into our favorite Forest Preserve, Lakewood. The roads and some trails were clear...Look at this mini-tractor they use! Wish we had that! This is about 6 miles north of our home...they got way LESS snow!

oldnewgreenredo

An old stand of Oaks throw some gorgeous long shadows on a bright day.

oldnewgreenredo

Pristine and untouched....

oldnewgreenredo

Back home it's the Squirrel wars. We have six in our immediate trees. The bird feeders have been squirrel proofed, unless we get another foot of snow. Then, I think they will be able to jump up to the feeders.

oldnewgreenredo

Hubby throws them some seed and peanuts...to keep them away from the feeders.

oldnewgreenredo

The furniture is for climbing on, and visiting! This is why I cover my furniture in the winter.

oldnewgreenredo

A thrift store quilt...makes them feel right at home.


oldnewgreenredo

More Peanuts Please! 

Update: 2/22/21 an additional 14 inches has fallen since these photos were taken???

How are your snowfalls sticking?


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Thank you for your cooperation, 
Sandi