I am happy to report that my garden is no worse for wear after the cold snap. The worst that happened was my courtyard fountain that froze solid. Because it's in shade, it didn't thaw for several days. I felt sad for the birdies, especially the little hummingbirds who were unable to get a drink. I'm going to look for a bird bath heater.
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| A mess, kind of pretty but still a mess. |
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| I took this photo just now. Much better. |
There is very little happening in the garden. My mostly reliable Sarcoccoca isn't quite blooming yet. But I'm enjoying these fat berries from my white-berried Skimmia. This guy grew from a cutting I snapped off from a plant I saw growing in a churchyard. That was in 2005 I think. The plant is doing well but really needs a bigger pot and fresh soil. I vow to make it happen this spring.
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| Skimmia japonica 'Wakehurst White' or ''Fructo Albo' |
My Wintersweet is still blooming but most of the flowers are up high so I have to bend the branches to get a whiff. But I'm not complaining.
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| Wintersweet or Chimonanthus praecox |
Speaking of berries, my neighbors down the street have this Pyracantha growing right next to the street. Usually they shape it into a ball after it has bloomed so there are no berries. But this past year, they did it before the blooms and look how perty it turned out.
It was in early December when I finally got all my bulbs planted. I took a photo for my records and thought I'd share it here. I'm excited to see the Martagon lilies and of course the Nectarscorum which I grew a few of last year. Also I had to get a few more Allium schubertti. I'm not a huge tulip fan but my daughter Beth is so we planted these in pots. Ditto for the hyacinth. It'll be fun to see how things look.
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| My fall bulb loot (in December) |
And finally, last spring I received and was asked to review this Gilmour Flexogen Hose and sprinkler. I didn't use it in the garden because I prefer the soft, lightweight, easy-on-my-plants Pocket Hose. However, for washing the car and other non-gardening tasks,
it works great and I highly recommend it.
And with that, I bid you adieu. I think spring is right around the corner.
Hooo il gèle chez vous ? ici pas encore mais le froid revient, on l'attend
ReplyDeleteCoucou de France
Christine
That is a lot of bulbs! We are too warm to have reliable returning tulips so I gave up on planting (and buying)them. The pyracantha bush is incredible. Not really a fan of severe pruning like that but boy what a dense full shrub.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're right about spring - it's cold even here this winter (although not even close to fountain-freeze cold!). I'm experiencing envy in advance after a look at your bulbs - with all the focus on my lawn removal activities, I didn't add a single bulb this fall. Maybe I'll get in some summer bulbs but, in the meantime, I'll enjoy your spring bulbs!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad you didn't lose any plants with the cold weather. I thought about getting a heater for my birdbath, but then here in Wisconsin it would have to go constantly for several months. But I could see doing it in your climate--especially when you have hummingbirds year-round! Lucky! That Pyracantha is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love that Pyracantha with the bright yellow fire hydrant in front of it. Lovely! The bird bath frozen does make a nice photo but sure the birds don't appreciate the ice. I'm surprised you still have Hummingbirds, ours all migrate to Mexico during the Winter. Am always happy to see them return flitting around the blooms out on the deck. Really looking forward to seeing your beautiful garden all in bloom again this Summer Grace. You are the Master Gardener!
ReplyDeleteHi Grace,
ReplyDeleteBelated best year wishes to you! Thank you for remembering us. We have not been on the blog much, partly too busy and partly our dear Ollie was killed in March...it cannot be the same without him.
I love your garden as always. Sending you love,
Mona
Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you've grown them before, but you are going to love those Mediterranean Bells! So unique.
ReplyDeleteI've been intrigued by the nectarscorum but heard they're really stinky. How'd they smell to you? I have the drumstick alliums. So cute!
ReplyDeleteI wonder when spring will come as winter is here now....my that was an amazing picture of the frozen fountain....we have to take our pump out of the pond and the waterfall stops....i keep saying I am getting a heated birdbath.
ReplyDeleteMy Sweet Box isn't blooming in the yard yet, but I brought some branches in on Sunday and they are officially stinkin up the house. Love.
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