We begin on a positive note, with my first rock garden iris, “Katharine Hodgkin” blooming by our mailbox.  Also called “Orchid Iris, or “Dwarf Iris,” (it’s only a few inches tall) this is a cross of blue Iris histroides and yellow Iris winnogradowii. It is known for its hardiness, which it demonstrated last week when it was covered with snow from two storms and then subjected to single digit temperatures. This iris likes dry conditions during the summer, which it will most certainly receive here.

Here’s “Katharine” again, poking up through the snow. I planted quite a few bulbs in this space, including miniature narcissus and species tulips. The suspense is killing me.

The crocuses did not fare as well. They are looking sort of beaten-up and mushy from the winter weather.

The purple crocuses are in the same tenuous state.

Back on a positive note, the air is always so clean and clear after a big storm, and the surf was awesome off Narragansett Town Beach last week. There were plenty of surfers braving the cold and enjoying the waves, and the sea wall was a great place to watch them.

Here’s one more surfing shot. They don’t call Rhode Island “The Ocean State” for nothing.