LADYBUG SAYS... IN LAST DAYS OF WINTER, FROST CAN STILL BE PROBLEM

During the past few months, most of us have gained a much deeper respect for old-man winter along with a more intense interest in being adequately prepared. It is important to pay close attention to regional weather reports when severe weather is anticipated.

When ice or freezing rain is predicted, it could mean a coating of ice is expected to cover all exposed surfaces.

One can help prevent damage to trees by taking some precautions. Look for trees that might come down or break during future storms, and for broken limbs that are still hanging. Try to get them down before the next ice or windstorm causes them to fall.

But this is mid-February, you are saying to yourself, we are not going to have anymore ice this winter. In reading the 10-year ago column in the paper this morning, it stated that on this date 10 years ago it was 1 degree above zero. It can happen.

Ice, snow, wind and other winter elements can cause severe injury to trees this time of year. Fertilize and water any injured trees to increase vigor. It will increase the protection of the trees against future injury.

There are several theories supporting forecasting of colder winters in years ahead. One theory indicates that the upper atmosphere jet stream has changed direction, keeping warmer winds away from the mainland of the United States. Another theory suggests that increasing pollution in the air is reflecting the sun's rays back into space.

According to the American Association of Nurseryman, the principal reason plants die in the cold of winter is that their sap freezes and expands, often forming ice crystals that puncture cell walls. Once a plant cell ruptures, it cannot recover, and if this happens to enough cells the plant will die. This occurs most frequently with a sudden drop of temperature coupled with a stiff wind.

Plants have a better chance if it gets cold gradually because the sap has a chance to concentrate, resulting in less water retention and decreased vulnerability to freezing. Remember the sudden drop in temperature on December 22, 1990, resulting in severe winter kill?

Blooms are usually reliable in spring, despite weather. One of the best thing about spring is that it is nearly a failure-proof season. Even though a growing year may bring such disasters as drought, heat waves, storms and freezes, most plants will leaf out and bloom the following spring.

Many gardeners are concerned about their plants, shrubs and trees. Authorities assure us at this time there is no plant damage. Last week my-favorite-brother, Carl, cut into some peach buds to show us that they were alive. However, it is often late in the spring, when buds have advanced and there is a sudden drop in the temperature, that their crops are killed.

It is too early for spring gardening activities to start, although it is tempting when there is warm sunshine and no wind. By all means do not uncover any plants at this time, even though you can see the green peeping through of perennial flowering plants such as chrysanthemums, baby's breath and hollyhocks. Do not remove the mulch for quite some time.

Some plants suffer if there has not been ample rainfall or snow during the winter. Because some of these have shallow roots, they often are sensitive to winter dryness, such as Oriental poppies, Christmas rose, ajuga, evergreen candytuft, hardy statice, primrose and honesty. Some herbs, such as sage and thyme, suffer when the season is dry.

Herbaceous perennials can be damaged by heavy watering which allows water to stand around them.

Junipers, or cedars, are the most drought tolerant needled evergreen and may survive a dry winter without additional water.

The most reliable of spring blooms are the flowering bulbs. Gardeners often become anxious about them when they see them peeping up through the ground, and are aware that there is still cold weather ahead.

This dependability is due to the fact that most embronic flower and leaf buds were formed and developed during the previous season and kept in cold storage over the winter.

Close examination of a bulb or corm will reveal these miniature flowers and leaves. This can be demonstrated by anyone who is willing to sacrifice a daffodil, tulip or hyacinth at planting time. Cut it in two and in the heart of the bulb is the little flower in the embryo state.

Thus far the winter has been good. Let us hope it continues to be kind.

Signs of spring: Farmer John plants his lettuce, fertilizes his asparagus and crocus bloom on Lincoln's Birthday.