My Very Late Post-Thanksgiving Post
Double Pink Camellia japonica
When I got back from a Thanksgiving holiday in New York City (Macy’s Parade and all) I was startled to see how many things were flowering or about to flower. I guess after playing in the sunshine in Central Park I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it was truly amazing to see how winter was playing a delaying game. The Double Pink Camellia shown above is a spring flowering plant, not even an early spring flowering plant, and it’s covered with buds.
The Algerian Iris was also fully in bloom.
Iris unguicularis
This is at least a very early spring flowering plant. But it’s still surprising to see it in December. I had planted it in 2010 and this is the first time I’ve seen it in flower. This works much better than the reticulatas for us which rarely give much of a show. The clump looks vigorous and seems to be spreading.
I also saw a Shasta Daisy out front. A Shasta Daisy! Come on, these guys should have packed up there bags and moved south long ago.
Very late (early) Shasta Daisy
The Japanese Quince was well budded up and ready to flower at the slightest provocation.
Japanese Quince budding up
I also like the look of the fern-like foliage of the Columbine which shows green against the Japanese Maple leaves.
Persistent Columbine against the maple leaves
And in the woods I discovered why the Narcissus ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’, a tazetta variety, is not really hardy in our region. Its fully budded up and ready to flower. Notice the animal damage. I haven’t seen that with daffodils before.
Narcissus 'Grand Soleil d'Or'
In the house we found the Orchids are having a field day. Apparently we did well by them outside on the porch this year because they all look fat and happy. The fragrance of the White is absolutely wonderful.
White Cattleya Orchid
Yellow Cattleya Orchid
