PNW Cold Front - Do I need to worry?

[ann Hawes]

Hi Duncan,

I live in Seattle and have been concerned about the weather also.  The
forecast seems to be moderating a bit so I am hoping it will not get as cold
as first expected otherwise lots of plants will die not to mention the power
outages from cracking branches falling on power lines.  Temps of -14 are
unheard of in this area and could cause incredible
problems for the homeless and others living in barely adequate shelter as
well as damage to water systems and water lines all over the area that are
not buried deep enough.

Usually when it gets exceptionally cold here or we have a record snowfall we
loose power and our well pump has to be shut down so I am considering buying
a generator.

During cold spells in the past garden experts have recommended covering tall
plants with sheets, quilts, and blankets rather than plastic.  Certainly
mulch will be the best way to protect ground level plantings and covering
that with plastic will certainly help trap some day heat.  Over the years I
have purchased old sheets at thrift stores and used them to cover pots
during the last month's cold spell.  Since the forecast is for such drastic
low temperatures for our area this week I will cover hundreds of pots with
wood chips or sawdust and leave it that way for the duration of winter.
Pots of the most sensitive plants will be brought indoors.

Good lucks with the freeze, I hope it doesn't materialize.

Ann Hawes
Enchanted Lily Garden
Redmond


-----Original Message-----
From: McAlpine, Duncan G <Duncan.McAlpine at PSS.BOEING.COM>
To: ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL <ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL>
Date: Tuesday, December 05, 2000 4:37 AM
Subject: Re: PNW Cold Front - Do I need to worry?


>I thought it might of  been a fluke, but again this morning... the -13 is
present followed by a -8 on Thursday. We are normally a zone 7-8
>
>This is real interesting..  I walked my garden, wondering what I am going
to lose.  I told my wife, I m buying a large sheet of plastic and covering
my whole garden.  The neighbors are surely going to say I lost it.
>
>Duncan
>
>> ----------
>> From:         Jim McClements, Dover, DE z6[SMTP:JimMcClem at AOL.COM]
>> Reply To:     Arisaema Enthusiast Group (AEG) Discussion List (and other
hardy              Aroids)
>> Sent:         Monday, December 04, 2000 7:41 PM
>> To:   ARISAEMA-L at NIC.SURFNET.NL
>> Subject:      Re: PNW Cold Front - Do I need to worry?
>>
>> In a message dated 12/4/00 4:32:15 PM, Duncan.McAlpine at PSS.BOEING.COM
writes:
>>
>> << I would prep your aroid beds..... and roses... for next weeks cold
front.
>> I see a -13 F on the internet. As most of us know in the PNW... they
could be
>> wrong once again. >>
>>
>> Duncan
>>
>> I had to look at the weather website, and still can't believe that it
says
>> -13F (but it does!) Has it EVER been that cold in your area?
>>
>> I would think that a very heavy mulch would help, maybe even a temporary
>> plastic covering on top. Your ground temperature should still be fairly
safe
>> for a few days, if you can keep the heat from escaping.
>>
>> Keep us posted on what happens.
>>
>> Jim
>>