The weather has been so unusual for much of the country, ours being warmer and drier than the norms. I record and report the rainfall to CoCoRaHS, a citizen community, reporting of precipitation across the country and Canada. If you are interested is participating, please go to
cocorahs.org for all the info. Since I have been recording the rainfall for a number of years, I can gather that data and chart it. You know, if you have had rain for a week you might think it has been a wet fall (or spring or winter or summer) but if you record those rainfall amounts over time you will see highs and lows. Below is my chart for the years 2016- 2021
Our November was especially dry, so when the December rains came, some of my winter blooming plants perked up.
Join me as I walked through my yard on December 31, 2021. It was a warm afternoon and a joy to be outside. The following plants are in the front yard-
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| Unknown beautiful Camellia |
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| Prunus mume 'Hokkai bungo' |
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| Camellia sasanqua 'Yuletide' |
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| Perhaps Zinnia seedlings- awakened early |
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| Salvia elegans- Pineapple sage, still blooming! |
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Earliest blooming daffodil in my garden
Narcissus 'Grand Soleil d'Or' |
I walked up to the street to my wildflower garden, many of the Gaillardia are in various stages of bloom to seedhead.
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| Gaillardia sp. bud and seedhead |
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| Encore Azalea 'Autumn Twist' still putting out a few blooms |
Back to the front yard- my largest Tea Olive, seen below next to the shed.
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| Osmanthus fragrans |
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| close up of the tiny blooms that are quite fragrant |
In the backyard there are more blooms to behold
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| Camellia sasanqua 'Ashley Eden' |
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Not quite in flower yet, but so close
Helleborus x ballardiae 'HGC Pink Frost'
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| Edgeworthia chrysantha has started to open |
Venturing into the woods in the backyard brings planned and unplanned bits of beauty.
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| Lichen on wood along the dry creek bed |
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| More fungi growth on logs that line the path |
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| Cyclamen hederifolium |
Thanks for joining me on a quick walk around the yard. Besides seeing the beautiful blooms, the fragrances of three of these plants are filling the air with their delightful aromas. 1. Prunus mume 'Hokkai bungo' 2. Osmanthus fragrans 3. Edgeworthia chrysantha
Truly an enjoyment for many of the senses.
Happy New Year, one and all!
©Copyright 2022
