Looking forward to Spring
Christmas was a joyous occasion.....Poppi sang carols as we all gathered around the table.
A game of hide and seek in the garden was such fun. Although it was cold, wrapped in woollen jumpers and bobble hats it did not seem to matter. To see the Grandchildren laughing, cheeks rosy ............a family coming together, at this special time of year.
The garden does not have much to offer.......but what it does give, is especially beautiful, at this time of year. The berries of our native stinking iris are a good example.
The lemon - yellow flowers of Mahonia have such a powerful scent.......a wonderful lily of the valley fragrance. Planted along the woodland walk, with Christmas box, it is pure joy to walk each day and take in the heady scent.
Helleborus Niger is top of my favourite plants. I have dozens in the garden. During the cold months of winter they are an absolute joy to behold. Although they appear to be fragile, they are survivors in this garden.
Anna's red is showing, it will not be long before she displays her beautiful burgundy blooms.
When I planned the garden 13 years ago, I wanted a garden that had flowers all year.
Not for me, although I love my plants, but for the bumble bees that nest in the garden.
I was fortunate just before Christmas Day to see a queen bumble bee feeding on the Mahonia blooms. I cannot describe the absolute joy this brings.
To help nature survive these cold winter months is a privilege.
I am now looking forward to Spring. As each day passes we are given a little more light, and to any gardener that is something to look forward to.
Lovely photographs. We have Mahonia here as well and I do treasure it in winter. Anticipation is one of the best things about winter, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMahonia is a magnificent plant........evergreen structure is such a bonus in a winter garden.
DeleteYes it is one of the best things.....and I am full of anticipation :)
It sounds like you've had a wonderful Christmas sharing time with your precious family. Your garden has so much to offer even at this time of year, to wildlife and humans alike. I like to get past the winter solstice and know that each day is getting that little bit longer, spring isn't too far away now.
ReplyDeleteMe to........it is a turning point for me. Spring isn't that far away.....cannot wait to see what it has to offer :)
DeleteWow blooms this time of year. I have only berries at this time. I tried a mahonia that was supposed to be hardy in zone 6 which is where they have my area now. It didn't make it. I usually only try plants that are for zone 5 or colder. I know your Bumbles appreciate every plant you have for them as well as all the other wildlife. So good to hear you had a good Christmas. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteWe had a heavy frost this morning and yesterday............it was beautiful. By midday the sun had melted the ice crystals and everything was glistening. Quite lovely.
I am sorry your Mahonia did not make it.........such a shame.
Christmas was great..........I hope you had a good time too :)
Hugs back.......
The garden has not much to offer this time of year but it's so nice to cherish the few flowers like little treasures. I'm desparately looking forward to the light in the morning, now I go out with Snarf at 8.30 h., before we are back it's almost 10 o'clock. My days are too short.
ReplyDeleteWish you and your family a Healthy, Happy and Great Gardening Year!
It is indeed,each bloom is precious.
DeleteI to am looking forward to the light mornings......the days are indeed too short.
I am desperate to be in the garden for a full day :)
Tku Janneke, a happy and healthy gardening year to you.
Hi Cheryl
ReplyDeleteI am reading this on my I-pad in the hotel bedroom after a delicious meal of roast venison and red cabbage - totally yummy. So glad you enjoyed your Christmas it sounded good fun and lovely to have all you family about you - I bet it did Mr P good as well. There are so few flowers about at this time of year that those that do show their faces are very precious. I am so looking forward now to the spring bulb display although with this freezing weather we are now having it seems a long way off.
Wishing you a very happy new year and look forward to reading more of your delightful posts next year.
Elaine
Hi Elaine,
DeleteYour supper does indeed sound delicious....I hope you are enjoying your time away from home.
The daffs are pushing through, and summer snowflake are well above ground. I am hoping the frost of the last few days will slow everything down.
I would like some more cold sunny days before the milder weather returns, with rain, no doubt.
Enjoy your break.....Hope the new year is a happy and healthy one for you.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Cheryl! Spending time with the grandchildren is definitely a highlight of the holiday. We made Christmas cookies one afternoon, which has become a tradition here, and while I was exhausted at the end of the day, it was a very happy kind of tired:) Seeing the queen bee must have been a delightful surprise. Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete