The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. Genesis 2:9 NIV
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling just a little bit short-changed this spring. Those balmy days we enjoyed in January and February cost a hefty price. Unfortunately, when we experience unseasonal warmth, our plants and trees are tricked into thinking spring has arrived. Roots become restless, eager to form new growth, and before we know it, green is popping out everywhere. Native Missourians know that frost and freezes are not finished with us in those early months, and we don’t typically plant our annuals until late April or early May. But trees and perennials react to temperature changes and often begin their spring growth too soon, resulting in lost blooms and also lost food crops.
That little extended shot of polar air we endured in March certainly did a number on our spring bloomers. Thanks to the early warmth, my daffodils, hyacinths, and a few crocus bloomed early and, therefore, beat the cold. But any blooms still on them were quickly wiped out. I lost all my tulip blooms. Even the sedums, which can withstand almost anything, were badly damaged. Day lilies, Columbines, Dianthus, and Iris were all cut down to the ground and made to start over again. And our poor lilac bush had one lonely bloom cluster. It was looking so ragged that Ken cut back all its limbs except for this year’s new growth. What a bummer!
Our garden plants were not the only things that took a hit. Most of the native redbuds were caught mid-bloom and turned brown immediately, as did the forsythia. The dogwoods waited until after the freeze, but were not as full and beautiful as they typically are. Just about anything that popped out early had some level of damage.
Losing a season of blooms won’t matter to everyone, but to a gardener who is enjoying a pretty advanced season of life, as I am, it does not want to lose a spring bloom. We know our springs are limited. And I do love spring. It holds so much promise.
Thankfully, the later-blooming perennials are all well because they had the good sense to keep their little noses in the ground until after the freeze, but everything that got in a hurry took a very hard hit. The good thing is that they will come back next year, perhaps even stronger, because they have an extensive root system that burrows deep.
The one plant that came through unscathed was my Lenten Rose. After all, it stays green all winter and starts to bud in January. The cold is no match for its tenacity, and I’m pretty sure that’s why it’s called a Lenten Rose. It can overcome anything, just like Jesus! If we bury our spiritual roots deeply in Him, life is filled with countless blessings. Even when things aren’t going the way we might like, He always has something good waiting for us just around the corner. I’m continually amazed at how He can help us to find love and laughter even in the midst of hard times. And just like my perennials with their tough, deeply tapped roots will come back stronger after a setback, so will we if we place our trust in the One who is always on our side. He loves us so much that He willingly sacrificed everything to secure a home for us with Him forever. Could there be any greater promise?
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7
