Of Dogwood and Roses

OK, for the trivial pursuitists out there, can you figure the connection between the tree and flower in my blog title?

Let’s see, the dogwood are in full bloom and at 6 on WSAZ, I used the term “Dogwood Winter” to describe today’s grey and chilly weather. In fact, a night of patchy frost away from town is to follow.

Hal Kneen, Meigs Extension agent, reminded me the Dogwood are hardy and can handle a 32 degree overnight temperature no sweat! But it’s the early tomatoes in the Ohio bottomlands, some 300,000 strong that are at risk. “The commercial growers know the risk of planting early. They are banking on a cloud cover or warm Ohio River fog to protect them tonight”.

Good rule of thumb tonight is 35 along river banks and 32 in the open countryside! So if you have jumped the gun and planted early, it’s a bit dicey overnight.

Meanwhile, the roses are not yet in bloom at the Ritter Park Garden. That’s fine and dandy since a night of freezing temperatures would nip the roses in the bud.

So what’s the connection of Dogwood and Roses?

Well, it is Kentucky Derby week and the winner of the Derby will be serenaded and crowned with a garland of roses on Saturday at Churchill Downs. That means the tree of the week is the Dogwood, but the flower of the week is the Rose.

My Derby Day forecast and report starts tomorrow right here at WSAZ.COM!