Signs of Hope

FIRST OF ALL, MY condolences to all of you patient gardening friends who see a carpet of white outside your windows. I hope my post will inspire hope in you. Although it's still only January there are signs that spring is not far off. 

As you know, I've been lamenting the constant fog but last Thursday, the skies opened up and we've had glorious sunshine since. Cold mornings, but sunny days in the low 50s. 

Coral Bark Maple (Acer palmatum 'Sango Kaku') 

The plants (as well as the people) have responded favorably to the sunshine. My Wintersweet blossoms are not all that exciting to look at but catching a whiff of scent stops me in my tracks.

Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) blossoms

Sweet Box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) is also in full bloom and smells delicious.

These early-blooming daffodils are so reliable. Every January I see those plump buds! They're planted beside an Escallonia shrub that lost all its foliage after the December freeze. 

Early Daffs

 And more:

Snow drops (Galanthus ssp.)

And my favorite Daff, Narcissus 'Geranium' is the last to bloom in early April. 

 There are other signs of activity:

Stupid moles! Another reason to do away with the lawn. 

Clematis foliage is alive and sprouting

The flower buds on 'Sunshine Blue' Blueberry are starting to plump up.

My Hebe 'Pink Elephant' is blushing a little.

Hebe 'Pink Elephant'

Little leaves all lined up like soldiers.

I am surprised by the vigor of this golden Feverfew plant. Somehow it survived the single-digit temps of December and looks no worse for the wear. How'd that happen? Probably because it is a volunteer growing in the pathway. Tenacious little thing. 

Golden Feverfew

One of my coworkers brought "Denver" his new golden retriever puppy to work. His fur is downy soft. Isn't he adorable?

And on the subject of pets, I captured a keeper of Taz yesterday. He's such a lover!

Stay warm my friends. Spring is coming! 

September: The New August (Thanks Loree)

WELL, DESPITE MY PROTESTS, which included foot-stomping, copious whining fits and episodes of outright denial, I was unable to keep the curtain from closing on August.  I know many of you are welcoming the cooler days of September and its subtle hints of autumn but not me. 

Fortunately the garden has many late-summer beauties to keep me smiling.  

The Asters are making quite a scene right now. 

Usually my Feverfew flowers are done but this little bunch surprised me. 

Rosa 'Jacques Cartier' has been blooming all summer and still has buds.
And he's very fragrant!

I've been taking bouquets to work. Here is one from a few weeks ago.
Roses, Honeysuckle, Butterfly Bush and Phlox smell wonderful. 

On a recent Drive-By, I was surprised to see a white-flowered Wisteria blooming this time of year. 

Also, although the grounds look sad, this Clerodendrum (Harlequin Glory Bower) tree is amazing.
One of the nicest I've seen. 

Here are the fragrant flowers of the Clerodendrum.
On the right you can see one of the forming blue seed pod balls. 

A few days ago I found a few hiding clumps of Cyclamen hederifolium.

Anemone 'Pamina' I love these flowers. 

This little Dahlia blooms non-stop. 

Gaura is such a happy plant and drought-tolerant too. 

PINK!

And finally, speaking of pink, I saw this gaggle of flamingos on a recent drive-by. Fun! 

Is your garden still going strong or winding down?