I know that pansies should be hardy, but the ones we bought had been in a protected area away from strong winds.  After being transplanted and hung on our exposed deck, their little faces were not smiling.  Thinking it would be for one night only, I brought them into the bathroom when the forecast was for a hard freeze and high winds.  Well, the weather was dancing from arctic winter to fickle spring.  Every two days I lugged those pansies in and out.  They will soon be too tired to bloom, and I’ll avoid looking at them.  Note to self: don’t bring anything home from the nursery until after tax day.

 

 

 

I wasn’t the only one with premature tendencies.  Neighbors on the next street must have put in tender shrubs.  While I was walking and hoping to see a few snowflakes, I saw they had used buckets and styrofoam ice chests to protect their investment.  At least my mistake was not quite so public.