All the planning and preparation and Christmas went with the blink of an eye.
It was worth it, family time is so precious as the years pass by.

 The garden has been neglected due to weather and other factors.    I did manage to prune some apple trees.   I always leave some of the twigs beneath the trees for the rabbits to gnaw on.   By doing this, they leave the living plants alone.    I have become accustomed to their ways.

 Iris Foetidissima is not grown for the flowers, they are quite insignificant, although to be honest, they fascinate me.   The reason most allow them space in the garden is because of the lovely berries they produce in the Autumn.

 I love the way the berries hang from the plant and give a beautiful touch of colour around the garden.   Note to self divide and have a better display next Winter.

 Mahonia, another wonderful Winter flowering plant.    Great for Queen bees when they wake on a mild Winter day.     Also just look at the wonderful colour of the leaves.   They seem to be continually changing.

 Helleborus Foetidus, the stinking hellebore.    Just about ready to burst bud.
I always look forward to the lovely burgundy rim that adorns the flower.

 Cannot for the life of me remember what bulbs I put in the pots.    It was such a long time ago.    I do so love a surprise.   

 Sarcococca Confusa, or Christmas Box if you prefer (which I do)    Small insignificant blooms but the sweet honey scented flowers are to die for.   It wafts around the garden, tempting the gardener to go have a sniff.   I am hooked on this plant and increase my numbers each year.    Such beautiful perfume in Winter is a bonus.

 A lone olive hangs by a thread.   Memories of Summer lift my spirit, I can see the little tree in my minds eye, blooms covered in bees and the hot sun beating down.
I am ready for another gardening year.   As soon as the rain stops I will be out with the rake and wheelbarrow doing what I do best :)

Happy New Year to you all.   May it be a happy and healthy one for you and yours.