This spring has been unlike previous season changes. March was much warmer, more like April, while April is turning out to be more like March. In addition, I've noticed that the Clumping Bamboo (Fargesia rufa) throughout the garden is surviving what was a fairly mild winter, at least in terms of snow fall.
Normally the harsh cold and heavy snow loads results in the existing shoots dying off and needing to be cut back in the spring. Doing so always makes way for new shoots to emerge and eventually take the places of the older shoots.
It has been many years since I have seen the bamboo make it through the winter intact, but intact it remains.
The one exception is the long bamboo edge along the stroll garden (not pictured). This area has an issue unrelated to the winter (maybe critters, poor soil, too much sun, etc.). I'm not sure what it is, but will need to investigate as the summer arrives.
In the meantime, the bamboo elsewhere is thriving and is enhancing the appearance of the garden early.
I am hopeful that new shoots will also emerge as summer arrives and help add to the fullness of the bamboo.
Only time will tell, but meanwhile I will enjoy the early start.
