Friday 15 February 2013

February bloom day

Wow! February bloom day! Can you believe we are already to February? I have to confess that my bloom day post will be somewhat pathetic because there is hardly anything blooming in the garden - *note to self, winter bloomers* but its more about the promise of what will be. No, not just buds, though I appreciate them, but the promise that next month is the March bloom day! And since March equals spring (at least in my mind) then we are on the eve of winters end! Catch what I'm throwing down? Thats right, its almost over ... the "w" word that is. And things are just starting to show that burst of life.  This pieris japonica is in my favourite stage of its life.  I love how the buds are almost a chartreuse colour.


Ericas all over town are going mental. Since I was a small child I have always anticipated the winter blooming heathers to put on their show. Some of my fondest garden memories go back to picking off the flowers until I had fists full and throwing them into the air.

And one of my most overlooked blooms must go to this sarcococca. Sure its not the showiest of blooms but it certainly lets its presence be known with its intoxicating aroma.

And really, whats not to love about the emerging flowers of a skimmia japonica! These are one of those foundational type plants. They look good year round and require no care whatsoever.

So I rejoice with this February bloom day because the promise of spring just around the corner! I can't wait to get my hands dirty. I can't wait to dream up new projects. I can't wait to just be outside in the spring garden.  Thats what February bloom day means to me!

19 comments:

  1. Yea for February being half over and witer bloomers(plants, not long underwear) and three cheers for March bloom day being pretty spectacular!

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    1. Exactly!! Although I could use some long underwear this morning. It's chilly out there!

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  2. Your Pieris japonica is at the exact same stage as mine. Next month...yes indeed, SPRING!

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    1. I can't wait for spring! All the trees are starting to look like it too. You know when the branches start turning red and golden colours! Ahhh! The joy!

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  3. Looking good! I wish I could get heather to thrive in my garden. Maybe I'm just not picking the right spot, although I've tried different ones in a couple of different places. They all just decline and die. Yet everywhere else I see them thriving in other people's gardens. Your lavender one there is so lush and beautiful, especially next to that golden conifer.

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    1. Thanks! That's so weird heather doesn't like your garden! I'm not sure what variety mine is but it just goes to town. It's in a really sunny spot with good drainage, maybe that's the key. Those spots are prime garden real estate.

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  4. Looking springy to me in the aridlands - nice and refreshing!

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    1. Doesn't it just put an extra bounce in your step! I love it!

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  5. I'd say you're well on the way to bidding winter goodbye. I love the Sarcococca - I'm going to see if I can get one to survive in a shady area of my garden this year.

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    1. I'm sooo happy we're on our way out of winter!!!! I can't wait to get filthy on the garden!!!

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  6. My Sarcoccoca are letting their quiet presence be known too. And don't worry about not having so many flowers - I'll wager you have structure and foliage on your side in much bigger quantities!

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    1. Isn't the smell just divine!? Foliage is my forte :)

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  7. Things are looking springy up there - yay! Happy for you Canadian friend!!!! :)

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    1. They are starting to turn the corner! I'm sooo happy for spring!

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  8. I just found your blog and love it! You are definitely a kindred spirit!! Just couldn't resist and I purchased my first chinese windmill palm today. Can't wait to create my tropical paradise here in Tacoma Wa.:)

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    1. Oh that is so exciting!!!! Congrats on your purchase. Watch out- its addictive!!!

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  9. Hey - just writing to say I miss ya - I hope all is well Louis. How is your spring garden doing? You?

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    1. Hey!!! I know, I have been soo busy with work that I have not been blogging as much as I would like. It actually makes me sad. But now that the days are getting longer and we have reclaimed our evenings thanks to daylight savings things should turn around! I am doing well otherwise. So happy to have turned the winter garden. Some things are a little bit soggy and sad in the garden -like a few of the agave :( . How about yourself!?

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    2. Yay! Louis is back! Can't wait to read your new posts! :) I am good - busy too with canadian family here over 2 months...getting back in the swing myself :)

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