Vassey Nursery in December

Vassey is a wonderful local, family-owned and run nursery that is on my way home from my Sunday job.  See previous posts here.  The staff here is extremely knowledgeable and friendly and are glad to tell you everything you could want to know about plants and where to get the least expensive greenhouse materials.  (Thank you Steve!)  Their plants are healthy and I've never had a problem with anything I've bought here.

Angels and archangels

May have gathered there,

Cherubim and seraphim

Thronged the air-

But his mother only

In her maiden bliss

Worshipped the Beloved 

With a kiss.

   -Christina Rosetti

I always feel sorry for nekkid statues when it's cold outside and feel a little envious of them  when it's hot.

This is what Vassey does with their huge annual hanging baskets when they're done for the season. The soil and roots are left in place, some holes are drilled in the sides and bottoms of the pots and evergreens are arranged & decorations added.  Festive, fragrant, and long lasting, especially outside.

I can't stop photographing Chief Joseph Lodgepole Pine.  It's so vibrant during the cold months. 

There are some holiday items and all of them along with a lot of gift ware are on sale at 50%  off so if you're in the area, it may just be worth a visit.

I always admire this wide variety of gazing balls!

Urban chickens?

In case you're not lucky and clever enough to grow tomatoes in your greenhouse in the winter like Jean, you can always buy these imitation plants and fake it.

All kinds of fun stuff!

The shiny finials are pretty groovy but I'm not sure where I'd put them. On the other hand, at 50% off,  a place could be found once they made it home.

Some hardy plants have been brought into the unheated greenhouse to protect them from the rain and wind.

 The foliage of Euphorbia 'Ascot Rainbow' is nice year round and especially shines in the winter garden!

Activity in the pond has slowed down as it does in the winter.  In addition to the lone fish center right, you can see some orange & gold color through the spruce tree on the left.

Helleborus niger, the Christmas Rose, is beginning to bloom right on cue.   Spring can't be far away now!

I heard a bird sing 

In the dark of December,

A magical thing

And sweet to remember.

"We are nearer to spring

than we were in September"

I heard a bird sing

In the dark of December.

-Oliver Herford