It's not as bad as it looks guys - really! Some plants that are marginally hardy might have a really hard time of it this summer, and if they were already in decline then they might be toast, but most everything else should be ok. What's more important to the overall health and survival of the plant is the soil temperature, not the air temperature. Even though the soil might not be frozen, it's still too cold for the plant to fully "wake up". Some shrubs like forsythia and viburnum are known for occasional blooms during warm winter spells. Not all the flower buds will open, and you'll still have something to look at later in the year - maybe not as great a show as some years, but the plant will be fine. You may still see blooms on trees and shrubs when the flower bud has been damaged. Often the petals will open and put on a decent enough show, but the pistil has been killed. This is only something to worry about if you've got a fruit crop or were planning to harvest seeds later - without a pistil, the fruit can't set. Most trees and shrubs are capeable of producing a second flush of leaves if the first one is damaged or killed. This will use up a lot of the stored resources of the tree though, so pay particular attention to it during the comming growing season. Bulbs that are known to emerge early, like crocus and scilla will go back to being dormant once the cold hits again. The edges of the leaves might be damaged. If the flower bud is up and opening, then you might lose this years bloom, but the bulb will be ok. Many other bulbs require a minimum number of weeks of cold that hasn't been met yet, and won't emerge or bloom until they get it. Perennials showing new growth will probably lose it, but they'll just put up new growth from the crown once the conditions are better. Just give them some extra compost this summer and maybe toss a little bit of extra mulch (shredded leaves or something else east to remove) on them for now. Hostas might not be as big or have as many leaves, but they won't be killed by this. Those emerging shoots can even tolerate being frozen again if they're still small enough. BP

Don't complain if you are not willing to try and do something about it. Why are their so many people here asking what is this green plant if they weren't interested in a name. If someone stole your plants would you complain if you knew who. What if you got a rash handling a plant, what would you tell the doctor if you did know it's name. Well you are all grownups? Search for yourselfs, don't put names on anything, but then don't ask questions about them. I have a plant it is green what is it just doesn't do it for me. Norma

Moc, It is very shady back there and a gold hosta might have a tough time. There is another bank further on that is separated by a small valley where I think some fast spreading lighter green hosta might brighten it up and form a background. Any suggestions for a low, fast growing hosta that might do the trick or even something other than a hosta that may work. It is a big area to cover. In the Fall I am going to divide up some Elegans and form a 'gateway' to the rock ravine. Out a little bit from the rocks so it doesn't squeeze the picture. Maybe even the variegated Vinca Minor that I have a lot of could work. Light so it doesn't disappear into the woods in the background, does well in the shade, grows like a weed, I like it and it would be free. I just picture a field of light green where the hosta end and the meadow would begin. Nice when the blue flowers bloom....I guess you see where I am gong with this one. Unbiddenn- I'm careful not to disturb anything around them. It is reassuring to see them every year. Somewhat rare, I guess. Jon

My Mom in Buffalo got about a foot of snow, here on Long Island maybe 8 inches. I had to go out in the car three times today, and it was treacherous. I saw one car sliding backwards down a hill and a crash of two SUV's. Hope the plows come around soon!