Categories: WeatherWinter

Winter Solstice in the Sierra Foothill Garden

Winter solstice 2011

The winter solstice — which marks the beginning of winter and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere — comes tonight at 12:30 am EST. Afterward, the days will get longer. Celebration time!

In ancient times, observers watched the sun sink lower in the sky each day, and feared it would disappear completely. The Latin origins of the word “solstice” translate to “sun stands still,” but as gardeners we’re doing anything but!  Here you have all of Mother Nature’s signals telling you to slow down and take it easy. Instead we’re running around like crazy with holiday festivities.

For gardeners, it’s a time to get defensive and think ahead, mulching and giving a little extra water to plants as a shield against cold weather.   It’s a good time to be thinking about garden plants for next year.  Happy Winter Solstice!

Sue Langley

Sue Langley, a passionate gardener and photographer lives and gardens with her husband and Corgi, Maggie on 7 acres just south of Yosemite, Zone 7 at 3000 feet. She also manages the Flea Market Gardening Facebook page and website.

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Sue Langley

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