New Plants in the Garden
The Variegated Abutilons (Abutilon pictum 'Thompsonii') shrugged off our recent freezes and continue to put out salmon-colored blossoms.
Clusters of flowers appear at the end of the lengthy stems on the Marilyn's Choice Abutilon.
Annuals
I had read that Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum) might not be winter-hardy (which seemed weird since this is when they are on sale), but the plants did fine without protection (though some blossoms didn't like the cold).
Potted Plants
Of my four Ground Orchids (Spathoglottis plicata), one met an untimely demise due to digging critters and two were left outside in the ground to see what winter would do to them (it smacked 'em pretty good, will have to see if they return from roots). But the potted one was moved inside & protected, where it awarded this care by producing blooms.
Flower Wannabes
This is certainly the time of year when berries steal the show; the Nandina (Nandina domestica) consistently add large clusters of bright red berries to the drab scene.
Dwarf Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda') does not consistently produce berries, but it is always nice when they make an appearance.
The leaves of the Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) have completely left the scene, allowing clusters of red berries to dominate the branches.
Only a few berries remain on the Chile Petin (Capsicum annuum var. aviculare) and those have started showing wrinkles as they age.
Last year, the show show put on by the Dwarf Buford Hollies (Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana') was quite impressive, but this year, only a few small clusters of berries are present.
Hope your GBBD has been filled with color. Be sure to check out what is happening at other gardens by visiting May Dream Gardens.
These are stunning photographs, some of the very best I have seen today.
ReplyDeleteI really like those varigated abutilons. Did you find them locally?
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there was such a thing as ground orchids in Austin. Beautiful, and your abutilon blooms still look fabulously tropical. Btw, I've been covering my geraniums when it freezes, but I think they like cold temps overnight.
ReplyDeleteNo blooms outside with deep snow cover, and none inside either, but I really enjoyed seeing your contribution to GBBD. The berries are as beautiful as any flower.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the stroll through your garden. AMAZINGly clear photographs.
ReplyDeleteRbell, do you have your possumhaw in the shade? It is just beautiful all over town lately. The abutilon is one tough cookie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by to see my 'bird blooms';-) I can only wish for such color at this time of year. Cyclamen in the ground--and not just in a pot--would be quite a treat here. My neighbor has nandina berries which are like ornaments on a Christmas tree this time of year. My (dwarf) nandina were just put in last summer and are too tiny to provide any color just yet.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a beauty. Thanks for stopping by min so that I could track back and discover yours. I'll be back.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos and I just love water droplets!
ReplyDeleteVery nice abutilons--I love their foliage. I'd always thought they were a little delicate, but apparently not! Happy Bloom Day!
ReplyDeleteYour photographs are breathtaking, your orchid divine. Congratulations on all of your vivid color!!
ReplyDeleteGardenwalk: Thanks for the compliment & the visit.
ReplyDeleteCaroline: I found them early last spring at Barton Springs Nursery in the under-cover, 4" pot section.
Amy: I think there are a couple of flavors; mine may apparently be the less winter hardy flavor. We'll see.
Carolyn: I'm liking the berries right now too.
Lydia: Thanks, glad you could stop by.
Whimsical: My possumhaw is definitely an understory tree - growing beneath my oaks. So at best they receive dappled shade. Its my first year with abutilons and they do seem to be pretty tough.
Jan: I enjoyed seeing your "flowers" - impressive collection of birds visiting your garden.
Ricki: Thanks; I enjoyed visiting your garden too.
Darla: Thanks; it was drizzling pretty good while I attempted to get the shots.
James: The abutilons seem to be doing well; was more worried about the variegated flavor but it seems to have done fine so far this winter.
Bacon: Thanks; glad you could come by for a visit.
Different gardening in the winter, when everything here is in a deep freeze. Loved the tour and a nice design.
ReplyDeleteLouise: Thanks, glad you could leave the snow behind for a bit and stop by for a visit.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the photo of the Possumhaw.
ReplyDeleteMac: I think that's my favorite too - certainly captures the drizzly nature of that day's weather.
ReplyDeleteLove all your berry photos. They're quite beautiful. You have one of my favorites too - possumhaw. They're such a treat in the dead of winter.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! And very different from my corner of Austin, RBell ... my Marilyn's Choice is not dead, but no flowers and many leaves frozen off. I brought the cyclamen container into the garage so they're also alive but very sulky!
ReplyDeleteAnnie at the Transplantable Rose
Jean: I'm fortunate in that the six or so Possumhaw present in the yard had grown up naturally on the lot - so nice when nature has already placed the plants there.
ReplyDeleteAnnie: Goodness - it always surprises me how much the temperature can vary within an hour's drive.