This week the weather has been very quiet in comparison to last week, almost no wind but mild and dull weather with just a little bit of sunshine, that I almost missed. Presents all wrapped and cards posted, cooking up to date and in the freezer in case I’m stuck here for the big event. We have been told that we could have snow next weekend as there is a cold front coming from the east and a warm front coming from the south west and they will meet over us, we have been told to beware! However, for now, here are my 6 for this week….
No 1 Iris unguicularis
One day this week I noticed just one flower…..
The next day there were 2 flowers…….
……and yesterday there were three and no, there aren’t four today!
No 2 Iris unguicularis Walter Butt
I spotted these buds in the front garden by the driveway, but they look a bit chewed!
Yes, something has had a good nibble…shame.
No 3 Galanthus Faringdon Double.
My clump of Galanthus Faringdon Double was moved and split last year, I split it into 3 clumps to go beside the large hosta that I moved from the front to the back. The 3 clumps have survived the move but they are a little later flowering than usual.
No 4 Clematis Winter Beauty.
Clematis Winter Beauty flowers have still not opened, will they make it for Christmas, I hope so, as then it really will be a winter beauty.
No 5 Campanula poscharskyana
Still hanging on and still wanting to flower are lots of the Campanula poscharskyana plants in the back garden. It only stops flowering when it is freezing I think.
No 6 Red stemmed Cornus and Betula ermanii
The front border is looking wintery with the Cornus alba sibirica Westonbirt and all the different silver birches. Soon they will be joined by snowdrops and other bulbs but for now white and red are the main colours.
Those are my six for this week. I’m glad to see that Jon The Propagator is giving it a miss next weekend, I think we might all be a little busy doing other things! Do pay him a visit and see what is happening in gardens around the world.
Wishing you all a very happy, safe and healthy Christmas!
Iris unguicularis flowering already but that Winter clematis really is keeping you waiting Pauline. Well, it sounds like you are prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. Merry Christmas Pauline! Maybe it will be a white one……
The iris is flowering at its correct time Denise, I first discovered it 30 yrs ago flowering outside my doctors surgery in the depth of winter and knew that I had to find one for myself! I do like snow, but not if I have to drive 100 miles in it, so will be very pleased if I just have to contend with rain instead! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas x
Gosh, I hope the weather doesn’t mean you get holed-up, Pauline. Isn’t it lovely to be spotting things in bloom at this time of year? Your iris looks so bright and cheery and you have a great crop of buds on your clematis 👍
So do I Cathy! The Iris looks far too delicate to be flowering now, but it must be harder than it looks, still waiting for my Camellia to flower though, usually in flower in November, just hundreds of buds still this year so far. Happy Christmas to you and the golfer!
Nice to see the iris starting. I’ve wondered if they could manage our climate but haven’t been brave enough yet to try. Good to see Faringdon Double up, I finally found a bulb this summer and it’s only a little behind yours, which is surprising but it’s been a mild autumn here.
Good luck with your holiday travels and Merry Christmas wherever you find yourself!
I’m not sure Iris unguicularis would survive your winters Frank, it’s common name is Algerian Iris so that gives a clue to where it originated. It can cope here but we don’t often go below -5C, but who knows, maybe your snow would keep it nice and warm! I think the snow is now going to hit this country further north than my family so hopefully I’ll be with them for the big celebration.
Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Christmas.
Your Iris unguicularis is such a joy! Hope you have good holidays Pauline.
Each time the Iris pops up it is a lovely surprise Susie, so delicate at this time of year.
I do hope you’re not stuck at home this Christmas and that the snow if it comes isn’t too bad. Loving the first iris, such a shame about the second one being nibbled. The dogwood is glowing! Looking forward to seeing your first snowdrops. Have yourself a merry little Christmas.xxx
I think the snow is going to miss us now Dina, more likely to get you I’m afraid! I must get busy tidying the woodland ready for the snowdrops, maybe when I get back. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! x
It’s so exciting to see the snowdrops coming through 😂 I hope that there are no hitches to your plans for the festive season. Wishing you a most Happy Christmas Pauline and all best wishes for the New Year! xxx
Soon there will be lots more snowdrops Anna, can’t wait, it will be the first thing I will check on when I get back! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas! x