The Hunt for Blooms
When December rolls around, finding flowers to share for Garden Bloggers Bloom Day becomes more of a challenge…
Not because there are no blooms, there are always blooms, but they are far, far fewer in number.
Some of them are enjoying a winter vacation inside the greenhouse/sunroom, like the above featured lady slipper orchids, the Paphiopedilums. The four plants in bloom were whisked outside for their glamor shots, so much better with outdoor lighting, then whisked back indoors lest harm from the cold might mar their beauty.
But there are true winter bloomers here in Zone 7a Southeast Tennessee, including the ultra fragrant tea olive, Osmanthus fragrans, click here to read about it, …
Diane the witch hazel, Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Diane’ opening a couple of buds just to get her feet wet,…
The continuing and fully loaded with lusciousness Camellia sasanqua ‘Chansonette’,…
And the sweet Viola ‘Apricot Gem Antique’ that was planted in the three large containers by the deck, the story can be read by clicking here if you missed it.
Hanging out inside the above mentioned greenhouse/sunroom, the cutting of Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’ that was potted up to continue the legacy gifted from offspring Brokenbeat several years ago is budded and blooming…
As is the Echevaria that was also shown in last month’s bloom day post.
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These are the best of the images of what is in bloom. Also flowering are some natives that are in more protected spots, wild white Asters and tall goldenrod, white ox eye daisies, money plant, Zizia, a couple of blue Salvias and some wild strawberries, among others. To see who has what else going on, go visit Carol of May Dreams Gardens, the proud parent of GBBD.
Frances
I haven’t got to my blooms as yet. I have only indoor blooms. I was hopeful that the Witch Hazels would be blooming but not here. Can’t imagine why not. It has been above normal temps. Hmmmm Maybe that is why. We also need rain. I know…that sounds like a broken record. ha.. Have a great week.
Lisa at Greenbow said this on December 17, 2012 at 8:08 am |
The winter blooms are that much more dear aren’t they. At least we have the Christmas lights here to brighten the short days as well as the seed catalogs which are starting to arrive..
Layanee said this on December 17, 2012 at 8:32 am |
Diane’s already blooming! Wow, makes me want to run out in the rain to check here. Maybe later after I’ve had coffee! In the mean time, your blooms are brightening my day as well as the Christmas lights that Layanee mentioned~only these are from the Palm Tree. Have a sweet day. xoxogail
gail said this on December 17, 2012 at 9:15 am |
Just amazing, those orchids. It must be fun to walk through the garden and look for blooms. Sort of like a treasure hunt, yes?
Kathy from Cold Climate Gardening said this on December 17, 2012 at 10:51 am |
The tea olive sounds really fantastic. With this really mild weather, our Lonicera sempervirens is putting out a few blooms, but that’s it.
gardeninacity said this on December 17, 2012 at 12:14 pm |
Love the idea of the glamour shots ! The orchids look nice, also like the colors in the witch hazel and viola. Violas are such sweet flowers.
Nicole said this on December 17, 2012 at 6:30 pm |
Sigh. You are so fortunate to have outdoor winter blooms–and such incredible ones at that! Camellias, Pansies, and Salvia! Oh my!
PlantPostings said this on December 17, 2012 at 9:45 pm |
Love orchids and your images are so beautiful!
staceyweichert said this on December 18, 2012 at 6:14 pm |