Years ago, I went through a "winter garden" phase, purchasing and planting specimens that do their thing during the dark winter months. Since then, I've reaped the benefits. These plants are much more subtle and demand close inspection but they always make me smile. Nature is moving forward nicely. Spring will be here before we know it.
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| Sarcococca ruscifolia is just about to bloom. |
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| It's going to smell so delicious! |
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| Helleborus foetidous is also close to blooming. |
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| Signs of green are appearing. Allium schubertii is popping up as are a bunch of early Daffodils. |
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| The Cyclamen hederafolium foliage is still so fresh and gorgeous. |
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| I found this rusty crow at a sale a few months ago. I thought it looked good perched on Lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii 'Wind Dancer') |
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| This mossy log is completely obscured during the summer months but this time of year, when the plethora of plants are sleeping, it takes center stage. |
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| Baring any really cold weather, the Acanthus mollis will stay green and shiny. |
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| And the Oxalis crassipes will stay green too. |
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| The native sword ferns, Nandina and Acorus are also happy in winter. |
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| The 'Lacinata' Kale is sill happy. |
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| My Yucca filamentosa 'Ivory Tower' is having babies. |
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| Finally, adding a little "artificial" green to the mix can add a nice touch. |
You are an inspiration for me Grace. I loved seeing your winter beauties, the mossy log, my favorite Italian kale--the Lacinata. I think it takes a gardener's eye to see the bones of a garden in winter and to recognize it's phases. Brava, I love your garden.
ReplyDeleteI have winter disinterest and the only things green are the grass, sweetbox, and hellebore. Everything else is dormant. But I do look forward to the sweetbox blooming in late winter. I love that your moss has its own season to shine.
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could garden all winter...what a great idea Grace. I am gardening indoors with bulbs and seeds instead and it helps a bit! Happy New Year Grace!
ReplyDeleteLove your winter plants Grace, especially the Kale. I make an Italian Tosca soup we love that has Kale in is but all I see at the store is the curly kind...is this one edible also? it's supposed to be very good for you. I really like that rusty bird also, he looks just like he belongs where you put him.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking maybe my early spring bulbs will start popping up in January, they usually do.
Hope your New Year is the best one yet! Hugs!
I'm looking forward to my sweetbox flowering too. It's such a delicious smell! I was very surprised a couple of days ago to see my Allium schubertii was up already.
ReplyDeletePlant envy! ;-) We haven't had snow for weeks here in Southern Wisconsin (believe it or not), but it's very cold and everything is dormant. How fortunate you are to garden all year! Lacinato Kale is so tasty, sauteed lightly in olive oil: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/sauteed-kale-recipe.html.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I'm surprised at how early it starts. I noticed swelling Daphne buds a few days ago and was stunned. I'll have to go out and check my sweet box. I always bring in a couple stems and the aroma will about knock ya over.
ReplyDeleteYour post has me adding Sarcococca to my "must find" plant list (now that I have a shady area to put it in). I love the scent!
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish we could have green in cold Wisconsin. I will have to live theough your pictures! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Grace ~ Every post of yours is filled with so much beauty. I always leave your blog inspired to keep working in my own gardens.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful 2015 ~ FlowerLady
Wow! Your garden looks great during the winter. I'm so impressed at all the green growth. And to have daffodils coming up already....nice!
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky to live in a region that allows us to have so many great winter blooming/winter interest plants! Your garden is looking wonderful. My Lonicera fragrantissima started blooming in mid December and on warmer days, it's fresh lemony scent wafts all over the garden. Here's to a mild winter and a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your good planning...it gives me hope.
ReplyDeleteI just finished my last kale. What a treasure! I'll plant more of it next year.
ReplyDeleteAcanthus mollis is such a wonderful plant! All your winter choices look good and gresh!
Happy New Year, Grace!
Oh your garden's winter stars are shining Grace and I I'm most envious of that rusty crow. Happy New Year to you. May 2015 treat you and your garden kindly! xxx
ReplyDeleteOh your garden's winter stars are shining Grace and I I'm most envious of that rusty crow. Happy New Year to you. May 2015 treat you and your garden kindly! xxx
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