six on saturday – Fine for Friday

Six on Saturday 23 Dec 2022

For us here in Central Alabama, the cold front arrived during the night and we will be below freezing for the next 48 hours. It is too soon to assess the damage so I have some photos taken in past 2 days.

We have not had any snow and there is no ice to close the roadways. The power is out in our neighborhood but our generator is functioning so thank God for that blessing.

First is a camellia bud. It is the Sea Foam that I showed you last time. These should have enough protection to be saved for blooming later.

Sea Foam

This next is another camellia. This one is Professor Charles Sargent. When it blooms, I will show it to you. It is unusual in color.

Professor Charles Sargent

This is a succulent that is outdoors in a repurposed bird bath. It is very hardy and I think it will survive the cold.

Succulent

These are some bearded iris which should also survive. They are a deep blue color and are reliable early March bloomers. They should be protected by the Post Oak and Water Oak leaves.

Bearded Iris

This next is a Florida anise. It is in partial shade and has done very well for the past several years. It is also hardy and I believe it will survive. The buds are visible and look well protected.

Florida anise

Last, I have a Lenten Rose which will bloom next month. It is shade loving but with the leaves fallen, it is getting enough sunlight to encourage blooming.

Lenten Rose – Hellebore

Next week, after assessing damage, I will bring you up to date on the garden.

Wishing all my friends on this blog a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Be sure to follow us on Six on Saturday hosted by Jim Stephens. You can see it here .https://gardenruminations.co.uk/

Six on Saturday 10 December 2022

Here in central Alabama, the temperature continues to be warm and there are still some blooms to show you. We are expecting some rain later this week with some near freezing temps next weekend. So, in addition to the blooms I also show the plant world adjusting to the colder weather of winter. Winter does not officially arrive for 2 weeks.

First up today is a container geranium (Pelargonium sp) which is about to bloom here in mid December.

Second is a tea olive (Osmanthus fragrans) which is blooming. It is expected after a significant rainfall such as the one we had last week. The fragrance carries all across the yard so that you may not see them but you can certainly smell them.

Third is a holly fern (Cyrtomium falcatum). It seems to be enjoying the temps and showing signs of increased color. This fern is evergreen for our climate.

Fourth is of my fall winter vegetable gardens. These are some beets (Beta vulgaris var Boldor). If they succeed, intend to make some borscht or a beet and goat cheese salad.

Fifth is some lambs ear (Stachys byzantina). It makes a very pretty groundcover in sunny areas as well as part sun. The have spike like stems in the summer from which the flowers emerge.

Finally, I have a plastic jug in which I have started some milkweed (A. tuberosa). As you can see they have begun to sprout. I will harvest some of these and transfer into separate containers when it is reasonable to do that.

Hope you enjoy these photos. Join us on Six on Saturday which is now hosted by Jim Stephens here. It is a place to see the work of gardeners around the world.

Happy gardening!

Winter Approaches 2 Dec 2022

The days continue to shorten. The recent rain has brought most of the leaves to the ground. Orion is visible in the Southern sky. Winter is definitely approaching.

We are still having mild enough weather to keep some of the blooms alive but their is color everywhere if you look.

First, the Alabama Croton continues to display. It is definitely a four season delight.

The dogwood (Cornus florida) has beautiful leaf color. It will have some pretty red berries for the birds but most of them have already been eaten.

This Japanese maple has dropped its red leaves onto this bed of pansies after the recent heavy rain.

The blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is continuing to bloom This native is another multiseason showpiece.

The encore azalea is living up to its name. It is still blooming even after a few light frosts.

These have become iconic in the American South since they bloom in profusion 3 times a year. There are numerous cultivars in several colors from white to red to lavender.

Finally, I thought you might enjoy the pointsettia tree at the Birmingham Botanical Garden. The story goes that it takes 300 individual potted pointsettias to make this eye stopping beauty.

That’s mine for this week. I am still managing to find a lot of color for the blog.

Don’t forget to enjoy Six on Saturday which is now hosted by Jim Stephens. You can find it here.

Happy Gardening.