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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Darkest Day

Today, the winter solstice, marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.  Tomorrow the daylight will begin it's incremental increase.  Although the coldest days of the year are yet to come as the solstice marks the official beginning of winter, it's heartening to know that the light's return brings with it the promise of spring.  On this darkest day,  a saunter through the cold garden to find signs of new life warms this gardeners cold dark heart.

First, here are a few things that are still clinging to the glory of the year past. It's been a relatively warm autumn and the tetrapanax buds haven't given up hope.  I fear the predicted spate of freezing nights may nip these but some are in a bit of a warmer area so there's a bit of hope for a flower or two this year. Frost has always won this battle but maybe this year...

Despite some evenings in the high 20's the hardy banana is still green.  This might be a record late date for this plant.

It's not so unusual to still have a fuchsia or two blooming in December.

And now, as the sun is at it's lowest point of the year, new life and hope spring forth.

Hellebores



Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Akebono', whose leaves have not yet fallen, displaying a flower bud.

Winter flowering Stachyurus praecox is just now shedding it's leaves and soon will be covered with flowers.

Camellias awaiting their entrance. 

Tulips that the squirrels haven't killed.  Yet.

Grevillea 'Canberra Gem'

Garrya eliptica 

Skimmia japonica

Hard to see in this picture but while the last few leaves still cling to Corylus avellana 'Contorta,'  catkins have covered the outer branches and will soon flutter in the breeze like dangly earrings.
Break forth, o beauteous heavenly light, and usher in the morning!

24 comments:

  1. Here in the southern hemisphere we have the longest day of the year today!

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  2. I could stare at your Garrya eliptica all day long. Oh and ow long have you had Grevillea 'Canberra Gem'? I've heard mixed reviews on its hardiness. Happy Solstice!

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    1. Just got it this spring. There's been one growing and blooming in the garden outside Jungle fever for years so I have hope for this one.

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    2. I planted one in the early spring that came through our even colder frosty nights recently looking just fine (at a higher elevation I get more frost than Peter). So I have high hopes for mine too.

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  3. I could stare at almost anything you just showed. Such terrific forms even without blooms. But how lovely to think of actual flowers in the winter!

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    1. I sometimes pinch myself. How fortunate I am to live in a climate that allows something to be blooming in the garden every day of the year.

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  4. Many semi hardy plants can take a dip in temperatures at night as long as it warms back up during the day. Looking for - and finding - Hellebores buds on the shortest day of the year makes my heart flutter with joy. From today on, things are looking up!

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    1. Things are looking up indeed! BTW, if that pulmonary fluttering continues, you should consult a cardiologist. :)

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  5. Looking forward to longer days from here on. Happy Winter Solstice!

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    1. But you're the one who invoked the spirits of the dark time just a couple of months ago. (So it's YOUR fault.)

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  6. Your garden is already showing the promise of colorful days to come! That hardy banana is remarkable!

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    1. Musa basjoo, a Japanese native, is hardy to zone 5 (with protection) and is, indeed, a pretty remarkable plant.

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  7. Oh, you have many signs of new life in your garden! Yay! I checked my Hellebores one year in December, and they looked similar to yours. It kind of freaked me out because they have at least 2 1/2 months of true winter ahead of them. The snow helps protect them, and they've never failed to re-emerge. Tough, beautiful plants! I'm amazed that you can grow bananas in your climate! Happy solstice!

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    1. Musa basjoo, the Japanese fiber banana is hardy to zone 5 (with protection) Love those tough winter-blooming hellebores!

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  8. Your gardens still have a lot of beauty to bless you with. And, dear Peter, I do not see a cold, dark heart. I see love, peace and beauty that is shared with so many.

    Love, hugs & prayers and have a wonderful Christmas ~ FlowerLady

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    1. I'm blessed to live in a climate that has definite seasons and yet is still mild enough to allow for blooms year round.

      Love, hugs, prayers and wonderful Christmas wishes right back at you F.L.

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  9. It looks like your garden will skip winter and just roll right into spring. Can't wait to see the tulips bloom!

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    1. Skipping winter entirely would be delightful but, alas, winter is here. Fortunately, in our climate there are a few brave winter bloomers to keep things interesting.

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  10. Where you live it may be dark and cold but certainly not your heart. You are so very full of light and generosity as you share your garden with us. I so enjoy seeing these plants I can't grow outside and the multitude of garden ideas you excel at. Be warm. Be happy.

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  11. In this wonderful climate of ours, life never completely dies or goes dormant in the garden. I love that.

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  12. My garden is sleeping right now but today we were at 70 degrees and it had me wishing for spring! Possible snow coming in tonight though, but I am looking forward to longer days. I have some seed catalogs to keep me company until then. Merry Christmas, Peter!

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  13. You're tulips come up in December? Nice that you have blooms to brighten your winters.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.