With the exception of a few stretches of chilly weather, we’re having an exceptionally mild winter here in Portland. This means not only are the usual suspects showing signs of life (daphne, edgeworthia, crocus…) but there are signs of life everywhere you look. New growth on shrubs, lawns, perennial crowns — it’s delightful, but I’m trying to quell too much excitement because it might mean some damage to that tender new growth if we have an arctic blast in February. So, fingers crossed!
And not only is there the optimism of new growth, but because it’s been mild, it’s abundant. The things that are blooming are just outstanding. In our garden it’s our best year yet for blooms (and scent) on the sarcococca, the daphnes are loaded with buds, and the witch hazel is floriferous. I even planted up an early front-porch container with some beauties to enjoy as we enter/exit the house.
The heady scent in the air combined with mild, and sometimes sunny (!) days, has me in a bit of a tizzy — and I’m enjoying every minute of it!
Here’s what’s going on in our garden right now:
And a bonus photo of my photo assistant today, Gus:
