The Delinquent Gardener

This time of year is killing me.

It's like I am just in robot mode everyday, waking to darkness, driving to work in the dark, working all day and then driving home in the dark. I never get to see my garden. 

And it's ALWAYS raining anytime I am actually home and it is still light out.

There are still leaves to clean up and some plants to cut down.

But I have put gardening on hold. It's just going to have to wait a little longer. I feel like a neglectful parent.

I'm my younger days, I would throw on my rain gear and headed outside, but now I'd rather stay in with my hot toddy and watch the rain.

Thankfully the Winter Solstice just passed and Christmas and New Years are eminent. The days will now be getting longer.

This gives me hope. We're almost over the Winter hump. After the new year my mindset will change.

Also giving me hope is Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' (Yuletide Camellia). She's blooming like crazy. This winter so far has been good for her and she's really putting on a show.

'Yuletide' has beautiful blooms right at Christmas, hence the name. They are slightly oddly fragrant too.

I enjoy the bright red color and the simply petaled flowers that just disappear after blooming, instead of dropping huge dead flower bombs everywhere like other Camellias.

Pretty soon I will be looking for bulbs to poke their heads up.

Won't be long now!

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' (Yuletide Camellia)

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' (Yuletide Camellia)

With petals of crimson red with an orange cast, accented by a punch of gold stamens in the center, 

these large, cheerful, single blooms come just at the right time to add a spark of color to your winter holiday. 

The mid-season blooms are long-lasting, and the compact plant with its dark, glossy leaves,

 is great for containers, and a hard working shrub in the landscape.