Snow Won't Phase Most Area Gardens

Green-thumbed residents in Ballwin and Ellisville who may have been eager to prep their gardens during last week’s warm spell probably don’t need to worry about Monday’s snowfall, at least according to experts at Summer Winds Nursery.

Carolyn Boardman, manager of the Ellisville store, said most gardens’ flowers should still be able to thrive with little or no maintenance on Monday. The National Weather Associated predicts the day will  include 1 to 3 inches of total snowfall, with a high later on of roughly 37 degrees.

“Snow is a great insulator,” said Boardman, citing daffodils, tulips and pansies as among the more durable flowers likely to appear in local gardens. “There’s really not much to do. As far as here, we’re thinking more in terms of, ‘Once we’re past this (weather), what’s next.”

She said the greater concern may be the weight of additional snow on small plants, which could lose their shape depending on how long the snow remains.

“You’re going to see more in terms of damage because of the heavy snow that will cause problems and do more damage, weighing down branches and that type of thing.”