I Didn't Shiver Today!

For the first time in a week, I didn't shiver when I went outside today. I got some photos during one of those shiver sessions: 

There was snow!

Not the kind of deep snow that fell up north but enough to remind us that it's still winter.

My courtyard fountain is apparently the coldest of all my water features. Here it is right before things started to warm up.

 

Weather wuss that I am, that is all the photos I took of the snow.

I don't think the low temperature dropped below 28 degrees so my plants did just fine, even the tenders I keep on my covered patio. I put a blanket over some of them, and also my Melianthus. It is still a bit bent out of shape but alive. 

Melianthus major

On the aforementioned covered patio, Fuchsia 'Tricolor' is blooming. This is a baffling plant. It didn't bloom at all during the summer months and just a few in the fall. I don't mind though. Winter bloomers are very special.

 

Fuchsia 'Tricolor'

I'm always surprised how early the Grass Widow (Olsynium douglasii) sends up its tiny blades.

Grass Widow (Olsynium douglasii)

There are plants that would be blooming now if it hadn't been for that cold snap. For instance my new Prunus mume 'Kobai' (not pictured). And of course Daphne odora. 

Daphne odora

And this Rosemary in my front yard. See all those buds? And the sweet little friend? I noticed not one but two bright red lady beetles sleeping on those fragrant stems.  

Rosemarianus officinalis and friend

 And we can't forget our little Dougie-the-birdseed-stealer. (Douglas Squirrel)

This duo are regular visitors to my front yard. They've come to expect the apples we toss to them. On this visit I had my camera handy. (All of those brown balls are from my Sweet Gum trees.)

That about does it for this go around. Spring is not far off now and I'm SO ready! 

Thanks for visiting.

I'm So Excited!

I really am. I love this time of year. Yesterday the weather was perfect for puttering. I spent the entire afternoon moving existing plants around to make room for new plants waiting on my patio, all the while discovering new growth popping up here and there while listening to the birds twittering. Pure bliss!

Today it's raining. Perfect for watering everything in.

And now,  a few photos.

I bought this wildflower, Grass Widow, last year. I planted it in a pot and look at it now! I'm so pleased.

Olsynium douglasii or Grass Widow

Generally I'm not a fan of yellow flowers but these early Cowslips (Primula) make me happy.

Primula veris

The fragrance wafting from the Star Magnolia blossoms was really pleasant.

Blurry photo of Magnolia stellata 'Royal Star' blossom and buds.

My very first spring-blooming Clematis is almost ready.

Clematis macropetala 'Markam's Pink' buds!

A volunteer lungwort, Pulmonaria 'Reginald Kaye'

The first tiny red flower bud on Ribes speciosa. I am so excited!

More bulbs to plant. Thank you Costco!

Helleborus foetidus bloom with Nandina foliage color echo.

I never noticed the unique yellow coloring on this red-barked Cornus. Pretty cool, isn't it?

Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'

I hope spring is happening in your neck of the woods. Any surprises to report?