January 2015 - Garden Update!

Wow!

It sure seems early for some of the plants to be popping out and leafing out. It feels early even for the Snowdrops and Crocus to be blooming.

Other than some unusual cold and nasty winds in November 2014, our winter has been pretty decent so far.

Last weekend gave us temperatures in the 60's with mostly sunny skies. Sunday was a little on the foggy side in the morning, but I'll take it. 

I had a great weekend gardening. I threw open the windows of the house, turned off the heat and just let all that fresh air come in. Now that's good for the soul. Gotta air out the funk now and then.

I was able to get some more of the flower beds cleaned up, the grass edged and weeds pulled. I get most of the front done, which gave me a nice sense of accomplishment. I was purposely taking it easy and trying to not over do it physically.  

There is still all the side and back beds, but that can all wait a week or two. 

Unlike Spring, I'm not in a rush...

Anticipation

I'm getting slightly antsy.

Things are happening out there. Out in the garden.

But I haven't been out there much due all to the cold weather and rain every weekend. I have mostly peeked out the window and watched the rain fall. I haven't filled up a yard debris bin for weeks! My worst nightmare!

I'm not sure if I'm still in the winter doldrums or I am just not anticipating spring enough yet. Spring denial perhaps?

There have been some recent glimmers of spring, but I don't want to get my hopes up too much just yet.

There is always that February bad weather still waiting in the wings to pounce.

Remember last year?

I can still see the effects of last year's cold on some of my babies. My Pittosporum will take years to recover.

Hopefully we will have a warm spring and all will be right with the world and I will finally get out into the garden.

Harbingers of spring doom - Snowdrops

Camellia japonica 'Nuccio’s Pearl'

Paeonia suffruticosa

Daphne odora 'Zuiko Nishiki' nearing bloom.

I see you poking your head out peony!

The fish are happy and eating.

The Agave parryi var. parryi  pup looks a little mushy.

Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide'

Helleborus x hybridus 'Black Diamond'

Pittosporum tobira 'Shima'  still showing last year's damage.

Sarcococca ruscifolia (Fragrant Sarcococca)

Edgeworthia chrysantha (Paper Bush) first flower open.