Bloom Day December 2012

Let's see, it's December 15 so there are only 10 more days until Christmas,  6 more days until the solstice and the end of the Mayan Calendar, and what else?   Oh yes, it's Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day sponsored by Carol at May Dreams Gardens.  To see what's blooming in gardens around the world, be sure to click on the link and explore.

We've only had one real frost so far this fall so lots of plants are still looking very green.  The leaves on many of the huge old trees around have completely fallen but there are still some maples, sweet gums, and a few other trees still holding on to vibrantly - colored leaves.  It doesn't really feel like December but I'm not complaining!

Hydrangea 'Pistachio' is still going strong.  The fading blooms turn back to green.  Totally in love with this plant!

Another hydrangea

Sweet little Oxalis. 

The Abutilons continue to add color and delight humming birds!

 

No, that's not blue sky behind this abutilon, the garden shed (aka garage) is painted that color.

 

Mahonia blooms are always such a welcome sight  at this time of the year!

 

 The osteospermum  that was supposed to be a little annual color in a pot that has decided to live forever and take over the whole pot.

Grevellia victoriae in full swing.

There are still a few daisies blooming here and there, the winter jasmine is starting to bloom, the garrya elliptica and contorted filbert catkins are beginning to lenghen and there is even a single calla lilly bloom.  The calla looks quite like swiss cheese thanks to our friendly neighborhood slugs but it's still going!

May you all have something bright in your garden or your heart to give you hope at this darkest time of the year that spring will come.  Hope that  in some way good can come from horrible loss.  Hope that even in the face of senseless acts of terror, there may one day be peace on earth, good will to all.