Our Winter has been Fairly Mild (So Far.)

One mustn't count his chicks before they're hatched and it's certainly possible that cold air could move down from the north sometime during the next couple of months.  However, the long range forecast doesn't predict much in the way of really cold weather so fingers are crossed that the mild temperatures will continue.  Come take a look at some of the surprises in the garden.  Note, these shots were all taken outside, not in the greenhouse.

While most of the Tetrapanax leaves have fallen, the buds have remained erect.  If the mercury doesn't take a dive, will these buds bloom come spring?

While most of the podophyllum both in the ground and in pots have long since turned to mush, this one brave soul in a sheltered corner remains green.

Pelargonium blooms in January?

This hardy begonia remained green last winter as well. 

While the taller Musa basjoo (hardy banana) has a bit of brown around the edges of the foliage, these smaller and a bit more sheltered ones seem to think it's still summer.

While the Tillandsia usneoides hung in the trees doesn't look quite as green as that inside, it doesn't look dead either. 

Begonia 'Gene Daniels'  was left outside after I took a cutting to winter over.  Perhaps next year I'll have to give this one away.

Same with  Begonia luxurians.    

Alpinia zerumbet 'Variegata' (Variegated Shell Ginger)   is supposed to be root hardy here but I've never seen it in the ground in a garden here.  Cold?  What cold?

Elegia capensis is putting out new shoots.  What's up with that? 

Tropaeolum speciosum

Sarracenias 

Pineapple sage, usually an annual, seems to like this warmish spot outside the greenhouse. 

 Tricyrtis, what part of  Herbaceous perennial don't you understand?  Not that I'm complaining, your foliage is lovely.

Begonia pedatifida started sprouting new leaves last winter that were cut down by a week of freezing temperatures.  It came back just fine and now wants to remain green this winter. 

Flower buds on the passion vine?  Sure, why not?

The smaller Osmunda regalis in the front garden changed color and died back a month or two ago.  This one, not so much.

Biggest surprise?  A brugmansia flower.  

So, while the gray skies can be a bit much, I'll take that nice protective blanket of clouds that keeps us from freezing, at least for a couple more months.   The plants certainly don't seem to mind.  How's winter treating your garden this year?