The Bravest of Them All

The sun has been shining, but don't let that fool you; it is still COLD out there! At least to me, with my thin southern blood. Oh, I went outside yesterday, thinking to spend some quality time in my garden with the camera. Ha! The first gust of chill wind had my teeth chattering. Today is only marginally better. The following is a view from the arbor garden, down from the patio. Can you feel the cold, even though we have no snow?

Yet spring should be here within six weeks, and I am getting more excited every day. Once Christmas is over, I am done with winter; although, in truth, it hardly gets here till January. So in spite of the wind, I did spend some time yesterday looking for signs of spring. That is not unreasonable; in some years past we have had forsythia, quince, and daffodils in bloom as early as January.

Buds: You have got to be kidding! Have you forgotten those single digit temps we had just a couple weeks ago?

Me: No, I haven't forgotten, but I was hoping...

Buds: Well, we are not crazy. We plan to stay wrapped up nice and cozy, and we suggest you do the same.

Me:  So you say, but I know you well enough; with a day or two of warmer temps, you will be peeking out. Then the next minute you will be dancing in the breeze!

Buds: Just like you.

Me: Yep, just like me. I can't wait for spring!

So, I saw no signs of daffodils, and buds were staying inside their wraps, including these:Clockwise from top left: Camellia 'Red Candles'; Edgeworthia crysantha - If these buds seem closer to blooming, it's only because of the fuzzy coats they wear; Witch hazel; Viburnum opulus.

Most of what I saw yesterday were 2013 dried-up leftovers:Dried hydrangea blooms lay on the ground amidst fallen leaves.A dried sedum still holds its head tall.

I found a single hellebore bloom that had poked its head up and then hunkered over, wishing it had not been quite so anxious:

Only little violas were stalwart enough to show their full faces. So delicate in appearance, but surely the bravest of them all! No doubt this is why their common name is Johnny-Jump-Ups!

I have always loved violas. They are the first flowers in my memory. I was three years old, and my next door neighbor Mrs. Jordan had them growing in her back yard. Mrs. Jordan may have been 80 or she may have been 60, but I remember her as being very old and wrinkly in a navy blue dress. She let me wander through her garden, and I was enraptured by the violas' sweet faces, just as I still am today.

Have a great week!

My Sweet Daphne

Winter daphne will seduce you. In January and February, just when you are desperate for flowers, this beautiful shrub begins to appear in garden centers. Daphne odora may have solid, glossy green leaves (Daphne odora 'Alba'), or it may be variegated (Daphne odora 'Marginata'). All have wondrously fragrant winter blooms that occur, depending on the weather, from early January to early March.My Daphne odora 'Marginata' has glossy leaves with creamy edging. The buds appear in January and are rosy pink.The blooms are white with a hint of pink and are heavenly fragrant.

However, you should know a few things about this shrub before you buy it. These plants are not long-lived, perhaps living a decade or so, though in the perfect environment they may live longer. Daphne has a finicky reputation that is well-deserved. They are known for sudden death spiral. One day a shrub begins to look a bit droopy. A week later it is stone-cold dead.

Daphnes grow in hardiness zones 7-9. To keep a daphne happy, one MUST provide excellent drainage. They will suffocate in clay soil. The soil should be fertile with a slightly acid to slightly alkaline pH. Plant them somewhat above ground, atop a mound. They should be watered regularly, but remember: the soil must drain well. Gravelly, sandy soil may work, or add lots of soil conditioner to other types of soil. Mulch well. They like high, filtered shade or morning sun. They must be sheltered from wind and hot afternoon sun. Daphnes require minimal or no pruning and can grow up to 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide. They don't like to have their roots disturbed; so once planted, it is best not to transplant them.

I planted my winter daphne in a pot, in a good organic soil mixture with lots of soil conditioner. In winter I move the pot from its place in the garden to the patio. Under the eaves by our large glass kitchen door, it is protected from frequent drenching winter rains; and we can enjoy the blooms while we eat. After it finishes blooming in early spring, I move it back into the garden. I fertilize with an organic fertilizer when it begins to put out new growth. My daphne is several years old, and so far it is happy, though I wonder what will happen when I have to move it to a larger pot. 

Daphne odora has completely seduced me, and if mine dies, I am sure to get another. I may even try my luck with planting a few out in the garden, as I have seen some older daphnes in my area growing successfully in the ground. If I give them the cultural requirements they crave, and if I talk to them sweetly, maybe they won't die. Maybe.