For March the fourth, we had a snow storm. A fleeting, in the night, soon to melt, snow. The only flowers for early March paid it no mind. They like that sort of stuff.
In the two weeks that have passed, lots has happened, especially if the gardener is growing helleborus, crocus, daffodils, or witch hazels. For myself, it's a time of nervous energy. Shouldn't I be doing something? That sort of stop, start, mind angst. I love the garden and all that is happening, but I also love the laid back days of winter.
This helleborus has been with me for at least 15 years, a hybrid named 'Quilty', it was one of the earlier hybrids with the ability to hold its head upright. From Graham Birken of England, hand delivered and sold at Windy Hill Plant Farm, my nursery from so long ago.
With it my beloved (is that too strong a word for a plant?) Corydalis solida 'George Baker'. I swear that I was sure it was lost. Everyday I checked the area it grew in, only to dismiss it as gone, dead. Then a single pink flower waves up and says no, not so fast.
Part of the gardener's angst is the knowing that soon there will be little time for other things. Families of gardeners understand that. My children grew up in a nursery and they had to give things up, like baseball, no way. My daughter was married in August, not April or October! And this weekend was spent with both of my children and grandchildren with one granddog. Perfect timing. Sure work is calling, but its a bit chilly and drizzly,thank goodness is what my mind keeps thinking. No need to feel too guilty, right?
I mean look at this face.
And these faces.
There's a chill in the air and "Mack Dog" hates to get chilled. He stayed in with me and the youngest grandchild while most of the adults went off to fish.
April will be here soon.
I love reading your updates and seeing the flowers you have. Also your steampunk art is so cool. Tell Holley and Sarah hello for me if you see them.
Also miss your Windy Hill, not many nurseries close to us that compares😎
Pat
Posted by: Pat Exum | 03/15/2016 at 01:21 PM
Hey Pat! I will see Holley this week. Since I'm not in camera club, I don't see Sara. Those were the good old days! Thanks for checking in my dear.
Posted by: [email protected] | 03/15/2016 at 01:53 PM
I think my Hamamelis virginiana just woke up!
Posted by: Scott | 03/16/2016 at 04:35 PM
Well Scott, mine blooms in the fall. I think you have an intermedia, or vernalis hybrid.
Posted by: [email protected] | 03/16/2016 at 08:39 PM
Hi Karen, I love the way you write & your photos. You are so talented & its always a delight to read your blog. Speaking of Hellebores, oh lord I'm in hellebore & camellia heaven right now. I bought one 4 weeks ago called 'Pennys Pink' I've kept it inside the house & Zeb & I have been agog the entire time at its amazingness. It could be, the most amazing plant I've ever owned! I also paid a visit on Saturday to Trehane Camellia Nursery in Dorset, they had a sale. I bought 7 new varieties of camellia japonica, all deep burgundy red, never saw them at Merrifield. I spent 3.5 hours there, just absorbing all the wonderful camellias. I'll post photos to your FB page. Varieties I bought: Free Spirit, Candy Apple, Konronkoku, Dahlonega,(cream) Freedom Bell, Bob's Tinsie, and lastly Kramers Supreme. (May have at Merrifield.) They are in the house at the moment to protect them from frost. Hope you are doing well, Naomi.
Posted by: Naomi | 03/21/2016 at 06:42 AM
I should also mention right next door to Trehane is Knoll Gardens, owned by Neil Lucas. He is probably the UK's top ornamental grass specialist. Most of the grasses have been cut down at the moment, but its still a lovely garden. Lots of lovely New Zealand plants I am trying to get acquainted with.
Posted by: Naomi | 03/21/2016 at 06:46 AM
Naomi, I would be walking on air to be in such a horticultural wonderland! We do sell Helleborus 'Penny's Pink' at Merrifield. A new break through in colored foliage which will surely lead the way to outstanding new hybrids. I will check out the camellias, just wish more were fragrant. New Zealand plants, oh be still my heart!
Posted by: [email protected] | 03/21/2016 at 07:35 AM