I woke too late this morning to see the nighttime low, but temperatures were expected to drop into the upper twenties (Fahrenheit). No doubt, they did. Minor damage is evident to newly emerged leaves and a few flowers, but there should be no long term consequences for most plants.

With two freezing nights forecast a week ago, I moved several tender plants in containers indoors and covered others with a tarp. The tall Norfolk Island pine was hauled into the garage, and again last night, though all others were left outdoors, unprotected. I see no damage from the few hours below freezing.

The worst damage is to two magnolias (below) in the cold, lower rear garden. Many newly emerged leaves will be lost, but I expect the magnolias to recover quickly.

My favorite spring view of yellow and orange Exbury azaleas and the native fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus, below) has been spoiled. Few flowers closer to the ground were damaged in the garden, but the tall azaleas and fringetree suffered.

This freeze in the third week of April is not unusual. Certainly, everyone in the area has a recollection of snow in May. I quickly forget the day to day details, but chilly periods are not unexpected into early May. In almost every case, plants will recover quickly. A newly planted tree or shrub could be a problem if a majority of new leaves are lost.

There is no quick fix. Dead and damaged leaves will turn to brown and drop, with new leaves emerging in the next few weeks.