Moving plants outdoors, early 2017 edition

[FairyInTheFlowers]

Well, considering I'm right in between zones 2b and 3a, I think it's safe to say the only plants I'll ever have outdoors are hardy terrestrials! On the other hand, we're having record breaking warmth across the province. Today we got to a high of 8*C (46.4*F). I mean, I know it's going to eventually cripple our agricultural economy, but I'm not complaining about Saskatchewan's desertification (I'm a terrible person, I know. . . )

[estación seca]

I have had some that like winter cooling outside most of the winter, bringing them in when frost threatened - deciduous Dens, Australian Dens. I'm probably going to put rupicolous Laelia hybrids outside, too, because they also like cool nights. On a recent windy day, I almost had a half dozen dead fronds from a Washingtonia robusta palm land on my outdoor orchids, though.

My sunroom is warmer during the day than it is outside, so most things in there are beginning new growth. Putting them outside would slow them down. Plus I would have to move almost everything back in when it heats up.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Had to bring the collection indoors - cold snap is forecast for several days later this week. The plants have benefited from soaking in water during long rain storms. I hope to have plants outdoors again in about 3 weeks.

[Salixx]

We had a nasty blizzard a week ago, with 18'' of snow and very damaging winds... And, less than two weeks ago, temperatures in the negatives during the day! Today, the high might hit 50F, but tomorrow is back below freezing.

Needless to say, any plants I am planning to put outside will still be inside for at least another couple months, probably until the very end of May/Beginning of June.

I hate winter.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Bad scare last night. Temperatures were fine but we had a bad storm, pounding rain and multiple waves of HAIL!!

I was driving home when the storm hit. I expected my outdoor plants would be beaten to a pulp. Like leftover frozen spinach.

After the storm relented and I could go outdoors - SURPRISE! Virtually no damage except 2 buds knocked off of my Bletia patula (otther buds on the same spike seem OK.

I consider myself lucky.

[Dollythehun]

Luck indeed...

[Leafmite]

Very glad your orchids are fine. It will be a while before I can even think of putting any plants outside.

[Subrosa]

Tonight is probably our last night below freezing. If it weren't for the SEPOS show this weekend I'd probably start getting a few plants out.

[Optimist]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

Bad scare last night. Temperatures were fine but we had a bad storm, pounding rain and multiple waves of HAIL!!

I was driving home when the storm hit. I expected my outdoor plants would be beaten to a pulp. Like leftover frozen spinach.

After the storm relented and I could go outdoors - SURPRISE! Virtually no damage except 2 buds knocked off of my Bletia patula (otther buds on the same spike seem OK.

I consider myself lucky.

I abhor hail! I have grown hostas where I've lived before, and I got to thinking about them, and went off and bought several of different sizes and colors. They get totally ripped up when it hails, and I dislike that on a scale of 1-10, about 20!

[bil]

I have learnt that when the plumcot blossom is out, we will have bad weather. SO glad I remembered, last night we had a horrendous storm with hail, everything.