Signs of a New Year

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. 

Sarcococca ruscifolia is just about to bloom. 

It's going to smell so delicious! 

Helleborus foetidous is also close to blooming. 

Signs of green are appearing.
Allium schubertii is popping up as are a bunch of early Daffodils. 

The Cyclamen hederafolium foliage is still so fresh and gorgeous. 

I found this rusty crow at a sale a few months ago.
 I thought it looked good perched on Lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii 'Wind Dancer') 

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. 

Baring any really cold weather, the Acanthus mollis will stay green and shiny. 

And the Oxalis crassipes will stay green too. 

The native sword ferns, Nandina and Acorus are also happy in winter. 

The 'Lacinata' Kale is sill happy.

My Yucca filamentosa 'Ivory Tower' is having babies. 

Finally, adding a little "artificial" green to the mix can add a nice touch. 

Snow!

Winter is not messing around this year. The National Weather Service website predicts a low temperature of -3 tonight. For those of you living in Alaska, (Christine) or The Great White North, (Barry, Joy, Barbara) or Nadezda in Russia, this is just everyday stuff. Or even my sister in Baker City on the eastern side of Oregon who endures horrific winters with style and grace. But not western Oregon. Our average low temperature is 35 degrees F. Although we're classified as USDA Zone 8, most winters never go lower than Zone 9--below 20. So this is highly unusual weather. 

I heard on the news tonight that today the average high temperature for the continental United States was 14. That's pretty freaking cold for all most of us so I'd better quit my whining.  

At 2:00 PM my lovely, rusty thermometer on my covered patio read 38 degrees.

At the same time, the thermometer on the outskirts of my garden read 39. 

This is what our street looks like. Packed snow. 

And now, on to the backyard where all the fun is. I have a ton of photos so I'll keep my comments brief.

May I present the Ghost of Banana's Past

Not much prettier close up. 

Beyond the fence you can see down into the Willamette Valley.
Before my neighbors planted these trees we had a gorgeous year-round view.
Now it's visible only during the leaf-less winter months. 

An attempted snowman. 

The birds have been enjoying the Cotoneaster lacteus berries. 

I am not a good bird photographer but I lucked out today. 

They were waiting for me to get lost so they could resume their feast. 

Here you can see two robins drinking the melted snow run-off from the gutters. Adorable. 

Fortunately, so far the hummingbirds are doing okay. If you look closely
you can see one sucking on a Arbutus flower. 

My Kale 'Lacinata' is looking very sad. 

Notice the icicle on the right? There are lots of those. 

There's a solar light under there. 

The sign reads: "There's always thyme for flowers." 

The aesthetic state of my Tetrapanax is not good. 

Viburnum bodnantense 'Pink Dawn' trying to bloom. 

Behind the low hedge is Feijoa sellowana “Pineapple Guava."
So far it looks to be doing okay. 

A close up of the Felojia. It looks perky.  

Below that dollop of snow is a cluster of red-hued Hens & Chicks.

Another icicle. 

My Carpenteria californica looks no worse for wear. 

A Rosemary and Phygelius are also no worse for the wear. 

Scott, this grass makes me think of you.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Sarabande’ 

Check out all the plump buds on my
Chimonanthus praecox “Winter Sweet” 

Here is a close up. Aren't they cute? 

Under this pointy tent is my Melianthus major.
I have no idea whether it's dead or alive. 

Eucalyptus nicholii or Willowleaf Gum is also looking good,
despite of the cold. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

Fatsia japonica is looking sad but alive. 

Throw me a blanket, it seems to be saying. 

Keep warm everyone!