Above: A light dusting of snow in the Northern Galil region of Israel
We are waiting for some real snow here in Northern Israel, you know the kind that sticks, and enough so that the kids can have some winter fun! After last year's huge storm in which the whole country shut down in some areas for a good week, on account of not being prepared for such extreme winter weather, everyone seems to be erring on the cautious side this year. The kid's had the day off from school as we saw just a few flakes around 8 am, but the rest of the day has been just rain......
As you can see, the temperature is certainly cold enough for snow, literally freezing, which for us is quite cold! (For those of you who never studied chemistry and only live by fahrenheit, 0 degrees celcious = 32 degrees F.)
I have moved a few large pots that suffered in the snow last year into more protected spots, including my beloved yucca that I've had for 14 years, and miraculously didn't loose its top last year as did many of the yucca trees around town.
My gorgoues foxtail fern was buried in snow last year, and lost all of its fronds, but came back nicely as you can see. This year it should have an easier time as I've also moved it to a sheltered spot. Will these precautions be necessary? We shall see, my kids are certainly keeping their fingers crossed!
Note: For those living in Israel, during the year of shmittah there are some restrictions regarding moving potted plants, so do consult an expert regarding your particular situation.