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. 

Looking for Beauty

At this time of year, beauty is a little more difficult to define and even more challenging to locate. It requires an open mind and a willingness to ignore the ugly, leafy decay that dominates the garden. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those foggy winters where the sky is shrouded by a milky mist for days on end, especially up here on the hill. Although it can be a tiresome contributor to my winter blues, it's comparatively benign weather and I prefer it over the many manic alternatives. 

Looking for beauty.... 

The November frost didn't completely kill my Brachyscomb. 

My Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa 'Golden Lantern') is still hanging on too. 

My Rosa 'Rhapsody in Blue' tried valiantly to bloom until November's frost halted its attempt.  

But there is promise of things to come. Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata' is fixing to bloom in a few months. 

Ditto for my Hellebore foetidus.

And Hellebore x sternii 'Hot Flash' ... hopefully. 

But until the flowers appear, I'll make do with what remains. 

I'm not quite sure why my strawberry plants are blushing so vibrantly but I'm not complaining. 

Rosa 'Cinco de Mayo' is happy too. 

Not to mention Spiraea thunbergii 'Bridal Wreath' 

And my Eucalyptus nicholii survived last winter's single digit temps and grew back from the roots to over five feet.
I love the contrast between the maroon stems and the bluish foliage.  

The Acanthus mollis isn't looking too terrible. 

Neither is the Yucca filamentosa 'Ivory Tower' 

The Cyclamen hederafolium foliage is very happy despite the surrounding leaf litter. 

Leaves are everywhere. Except in the birdbath--now that I cleaned it. 

And my patio pond. So much nicer now.  

Are you able to get any gardening done? 

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

I awoke during the middle of last night to the gentle pitter-patter of raindrops. It's been at least a month since  even a smidgen of rain has occurred so this was indeed a welcome sound. Today I took some photos. 

 I'm not a huge Daylily fan but I've got five plants in my garden. 'Purple D'Oro' is my newest, although it's not all that new. Just new to me. I was attracted to the idea of a repeat bloomer. 

 This is one of my newest Fuchsias. I buy them by the dozen [not really, well almost] at Fry Road Nursery. 

 Campanula punctata 'Cherry Bells' really wants to take over. 

I should have located this plant in a better place. I say this a lot. 

 Speaking of "Cherry," my Nasturtium container is going to town. 

I kind of like the unkempt look. Am I nuts?

 Penstemon 'Sunburst Amethyst' is a stalwart. 

 This dwarf Gaura is just coming on. 

 Lookie my Yucca, Loree. It's going to bloom!

 The Dahlias [above and below] I bought at Costco last spring are blooming! 

 I really love these Alstromerias. 

 My Verbena rigida are in full array. 

 Several years ago I purchased a six-pack of this little annual Baby's Breath. 

Since then it has reliably reseeded in various pots. 

 My new white Abutilon [Flowering Maple] is small but a prolific bloomer. 

 Geranium 'Elke' I love this pink!

 This is a freebie Monkey Flower. I love this color too!

 My Cordyline has doubled in size since last year. 

 And finally, my blueberries are starting to ripen. Hooray! I need all the brain food I can get. 

To all of you in the midst of the heatwave, I'm sending you cool thoughts.