Camellia japonica

Well, for this GBBD it’s going down to 18 degrees tonight but this Camellia japonica doesn’t seem to mind.  We have a fair number of Camellias but this particular Camellia has two parts, one which blooms early and the other half comes in the normal Spring blooming for Camellia japonicas.  Here’s another view of the same plant.

Camellia japonica blooming early

Most of the other japonicas have lots of buds but no blooms as in this example.

Camellia japonica

It’s hard not to want to plant more Camellias since they have such an extensive blooming season and look good even when they are not in bloom.  Here’s the last flower on the fall blooming Camellia sansanqua.

Camellia sasanqua

And then there is the very lovely little hybrid Camellia ‘Yume’ which manages to flower extensively across the late Fall to early Spring.

Camellia ‘Yume’

Other than the Camellias, flowering is still pretty limited.  We are seeing the first snowdrops appearing in multiple places including the lawn.

Galanthus elwesii in the lawn

And I can now see the first flower buds on the Cyclamen Coum.

Cyclamen coum first bud

Otherwise my morning garden walk is more focused on the various ways that green contributes to the garden.  Here’s the Cyclamen hederifolium for example.

Cyclamen hederifolium

I find the winter is much more tolerable when there is lots interesting greenery.  Here are some other green points.

Japanese Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum)

Mahonia ‘Soft Caress’

Mahonia japonica

One of many Hellebores in the woods

One of many Epimediums in the woods

I also have been tracking the Pussy Willow on the hillside as this is the first year we’ve had buds.

Pussy Willow

Of course for every winter’s day my real focus is on the Adonis and wondering when they will first show up.  Here is their status.

Adonis ‘Chichibu Beni’

Adonis ‘Fukujukai’

Lastly let me note that the greenhouse has been a constant joy.  Here is one of the current flowerings.

Freesia fucata