On Friday we were given the option of leaving work early because of an impending snow, which didn't turn out to be much of one. I left work anyway, and made the obligatory trip to my local supermarket, Harris Teeter, which I like to metaphorically refer to as the Teet. By the time I got out of the surprisingly non-chaotic store, it was snowing in earnest. The forecast was calling for our coldest spell yet with low to mid-teens on Saturday night, so I wanted to photograph any available Bloom Day candidates before they froze any further.
My hellebores are on the cusp of opening, and one of the things I like most about them is that a little snow or cold will do them no harm.
Ilex cornuta 'O'Spring' always looks good dusted in snow. I sometimes wish there was a female version of this holly that would provide red berries, but then again sometimes simpler is better.
Chaenomeles 'Hime'
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Edgworthia chrysantha
Camellia japonica 'Les Marbury'
We had another snow last night, but it was also light, and today the temperatures should get within melting distance. There are 60's and 50's forecasted for later in the week. Two steps forward, one step back.
Bloom Day is graciously sponsored by Carol at
May Dreams Gardens, and is held on the 15th of each month.
By the way, those of you who are interested, I will be launching my annual
Winter Walk-Off next weekend, so stay tuned.
I think the snow made everything look better. But I'm afraid for our calendar spring bloom. I've see fruiting trees in bloom already in Manteo.
ReplyDeleteAnd someday I want to live where I can grow hellebores. Meanwhile, thanks for sharing yours.
We had fruiting trees here back in January, way too early. Our cold February has shut them down.
DeleteThat snow looks like heaven to me, no lie. The overnight low last night was 77F. What a gorgeous, gorgeous Camellia...and the first photo of the Hellebore--perfect.
ReplyDeleteI heard that California was having a heat wave, but are you sure you just would rather have lower temps, and not snow?
DeleteOh, I would love to grow Edgeworthia. The flower buds are divine. I will have to settle for looking at your photos. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteLayanee, I am sorry Edgewothia doesn't grow for you; it is one of my favorite shrubs.
DeleteSnow-covered beauties!
ReplyDeleteHappy Garden Bloggers Bloom Day!
Lea
Happy GBBD to you as well, Lea!
DeleteI love how the snow highlights the various forms of leaves in your last photo. Really rather an unusual shot, since snow outlines on bare branches are much more common. The camellia decked in snow was also a bit unusual - hopefully the cold weather and snow didn't damage the plant at all.
ReplyDeleteGG, I also like the highlights in the back garden as well; it is what made me take the shot.
DeleteI'm grateful to live in a snowless climate , but those photos are mighty nice Les. I'll be content with raindrops !
ReplyDeleteKS, I would trade with you, but the prospect of perennial drought is more frightening to me the cold and snow.
DeleteOf all the plants you showed, the only one I can grow is the hellebore. But my H. orientalis haven't even formed buds yet. I did have some H. niger blooming in the warm spells but I will have to trim a lot of beat up foliage after our -24F night. But this is what I like best about bloom day, seeing plants blooming that I can't grow.
ReplyDeleteKathy, the fact that hellebores can grow in so many different climates is one of the many things I like about them. -24? My freezer doesn't get that cold.
DeleteI look at that snow covered Edgeworthia with regret that mine always loses its flowers to the cold, even if I cover it. Zone 6 just won't do.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you can't grow Edgeworthia. Have you tried it in the city?
DeleteI will miss my O'Spring Holly! Great photos Les.
ReplyDeletePhillip, it looks like you will have room in the new garden for one, or several.
DeleteI think you mean cornuta not crenata? Beautiful in any case!
ReplyDeleteBeverly, that is exactly what I meant. Sometimes my brain works differently than my typing fingers. Thanks for the heads up.
DeleteThat picture of the ice on the rose is one of my favourites that I've seen this month!
ReplyDeleteLAL, you are probably looking at the camellia photo. I have few roses left in my garden.
DeleteIf one always look for the positive in every situation, then snow is a great photo opportunity, as you have demonstrated here. The flowering quince is such a delightful sight!
ReplyDeleteChavliness, it is all about attitude, right?
DeleteYour snow dusted Hellebores and Camellia are lovely, and you have captured them beautifully in your photographs. Happy Bloom Day!
ReplyDeleteLee, thanks for stopping by, and happy GBBD to you as well.
DeleteLuscious, luscious images, Les. Especially because the combination of blooms and snow doesn't happen often. I, too, find the Hellebores incredible in their ability to stand up to the snow and cold. My H. orientalis hybrids were budding back in December. Then real winter happened, and they've been covered by snow since. I expect to see flowers when the snow melts this weekend. Happy Bloom Day!
ReplyDeleteBeth, I bet being covered with snow has been good for your hellebores.
DeleteYour blooms and foliage are especially photogenic with a bit of snow dusted on them!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I'll have to wait another month or two ... or three before things'll be blooming here.
ReplyDeleteLove the flowers with snow ...