When I Say Frozen Tundra I Actually Mean Subarctic Taiga, AND Not to be Outdone by the South We've Got Spring Flowers Too!!!

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I'm an Earth Science teacher. Well, I WAS an Earth Science teacher until the folks 'round those there parts realized the ONLY way to rid their children of MY influence was to SHUT THE DOORS of the school, so that is JUST what they did. (Oh I do kid - - - they DID also have the option of locking me up.)

Anyway, I'm an Earth Science teacher - - - I know what the Tundra is, and I know I don't REALLY live on the frozen Tundra.


The true Tundra circles and covers the north pole.

It has permafrost - - - soil that remains frozen YEAR AROUND and can be found even in midsummer just inches below the surface. If I truly lived on the frozen Tundra, I could save myself the cost of running a refrigerator - - - all I'd have to do is dig a hole in my back yard and place my food in it.

There are no trees on the Tundra - - - the shallow, nutrient poor unfrozen portion of the soil simply cannot support them.

The plants on the Tundra are willows, sedges, cushion plants, and grasses.


No, our REAL biome is the southern border of the Taiga - - - or Northern Coniferous Forest.

The Taiga is below and circles the Tundra.

We've got trees - - - lots of pines and also hardwoods.

We don't have permafrost, no matter HOW it may seem to those of you who are already picnicking in your back yards, swimming in your pools, and lying in the sun roasting your skin to a beautiful golden brown.

So No, we do NOT really live on the Frozen Tundra - - - but it is just so fun to say that I'm sure I shall keep on saying it. Besides, would you KNOW what I meant if I said the Frozen Taiga???

I didn't think so.

And just so all you southern bloggers don't feel TOO sorry for us up here on the Frozen Tundra I want to tell you that suddenly, and without any ado whatsoever OUR Tundra spring flowers have begun to bloom.

Yes - - - we have FLOWERS and it's only the 25th of March!!!

It's gotta be some kind of record.

Today in my very own yard I found:



Pansies, or their near kin, in full bloom right beside Waldo!!!


DAISIES blooming right in the middle of our front yard!!!


Just looky here! The SHRUB by our front door is flowering too!!!!


And my personal favorite - - - VIOLETS springing up on the edge of our driveway!!!

Happy spring folks!!!

I'm linking the post to the No Rules Linky Party over at Wit Behind the Ears.

(Photo Credits: Tundra - bio.miami.edu, Taiga - biomesfirst.wikispace.com)

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