Monday, April 9, 2018

The Five (or Six) Little Winters of Spring

Monday, April 9, 2018

Bill’s mother had names for all these little snows in springtime but I never can remember what order they come in or what to call them. Turns out their names have to do with whatever is happening at the time of the cold snap. 
  • redbud
  • dogwood
  • locust 
  • blackberry
  • linsey woolsey britches
  • whippoorwill 
These little winters are most prevalent in our southern states and might have a different order or a different expected date depending on the location. 

Generally speaking, the first four are named according to what is blooming and tend to be in early to late April. Linsey woolsey britches winter refers to the linen and wool long underwear that could be stashed once it’s over. And whippoorwill winter occurs well into May and might bring temperatures into the forties. This is when the birds are typically out calling for a mate. 

So there you have it. Looks like we are only in redbud winter, y’all. We’ve got a little ways to go. So hang in there. Don’t put up the linsey woolseys or the electric blankets quite yet. 

piedmontgardener.com

1 comment:

  1. My mother and grandparents told about a strawberry winter when strawberries are ripening. Why isn't it listed as a winter?

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