“Frozen”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
The Deep South is just not supposed to be this cold. I don’t know how people up north make it with so much cold weather. The last few nights have been extremely cold for us, but tonight is supposed to be the last night of unusually cold temps. We should get down to 19 degrees, but I keep hoping it won’t be that bad. Last night was 21 degrees which is about 20 degrees colder than normal. Our highs the last three days have been about 30 degrees below our normal. I know every place seems to be below normal, but with all this cold weather, I wish we would have had a little snow.
The birdbath pictured above is on the side of the house and is frozen solid to a depth of about four inches and this was at mid-afternoon. We are used to having the shallow birdbaths freeze solid, but not this one. I had to go out about four times today to get rid of ice so that our winged visitors would have water to drink. They say that it is just as important during freezing weather for birds to have water as food.
I went out this afternoon to check on the plants (tropicals) that are under protection. So far, things look okay, but I can’t say the same for many plants that are out in the garden. In the past several years, I have tried to plant only things that will survive a zone 8 winter, so I am hoping that most plants will return from their roots in the spring. If they don’t, I try to have the attitude that this will give me the opportunity to plant new things. I had planned on redoing several areas of the garden this spring, therefore, this latest round of extremely cold weather may just give me the clean slate I needed.
Always Growing 
Carol Flower Hill Farm said,
January 10, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Jan I know it must be so hard for you all with this intense cold. You are right that we are use to deep frigid temps… and are more prepared psychologically and practically. I hope it will pass soon and that your plants will all survive. Warm Wishes, Carol
Kylee from Our Little Acre said,
January 10, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I really feel for you warmer climate gardeners. We northerners know we’ll have weather like this on occasion during a normal winter, but you guys aren’t accustomed to it! This seems to be especially severe for you guys. I hope your plants tough it out and that this freezing stuff ends SOON!
Janet said,
January 10, 2010 at 10:39 pm
Oh Jan, I think you all have had colder temps at night than we have. Stay warm, just another night or two and it will go back to normal.
Autumn Belle said,
January 12, 2010 at 12:01 am
Do keep warm and let nature decides for you. When spring comes, just follow you heart desires.
Randy said,
January 12, 2010 at 9:18 am
Jan, I’m completely agree about the snow. We didn’t get the first flurry! Thank you for the well wishes. Keep your fingers crossed, things may be starting to return to normal around the house these days. 🙂
donna said,
January 13, 2010 at 3:18 am
I’m sorry that you’re having to deal with the cold temperatures. Snow is always better than ice. Snow insulates, ice destroys.
Maybe you should check out my latest post about the 18′ tall snowman.
Wishing you warmth.
donna
Miranda Bell said,
January 13, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Sorry you are having such cold weather and with no snow – that’s not fair is it.. have just posted the latest snow pics from Brittany on my blog – maybe you’ll get some soon? Good to hear that your birds are being treated to plenty of water as well as food – all good for helping them keep their feathers in good condition to keep the cold out at night! Spring I’m sure will be around the corner – that’s what keeps me going at this time of year…. Miranda
Billye Jean Shuttlesworth said,
January 18, 2010 at 10:48 am
My 8 ft gardenia by the south side of the house froze on the tips. When do I cut it back. Troup,Texas
Jan said,
January 18, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I would not cut back anything now unless it is mushy. If they were my gardenias, I wouldn’t touch them until spring and then see how much damage there is.