Most things in my yard are dormant this time of year. Even my lilac vine (Hardenbergia violacea) is not blooming yet, it has a lot of blossoms, but none have opened.

I have several camellia plants but only one ‘Night Rider' is in bloom at this time, this camellia has large burgundy flowers with yellow stamens. My other camellias bloom from the middle of February to the first of March.

The one plant that is growing and full of blossoms is my potato vine (Solanum jasminoides); this evergreen vine is covered with clusters of small purple flowers. The potato vine blooms all year but especially very heavy in the spring. I will need to prune it back soon so that it doesn't get the limbs tangled and also for control and shaping, and to look for runners in the soil. I have noticed my one hummingbird seems to like it versus the humming bird feeder, which has stayed full.

This does not have anything to do with my plants---yet, but how many saw the small article in Fridays January 9^th, 2015 Daily Republic about the smart flowerpot? From what I read a company that makes drones has come up with sensors to detect when a plant needs attention, like water or fertilizer.

One model flowerpot that holds 2 liters of water can tell when the plant is dry then opens a valve in the pot that releases the water.

There is an app that you can tell it what type of flower is in the pot, it adjusts for the condition that the plant needs.

How many gardeners are interested in this new technology? The flowerpot is to be on the market sometime this year. This flowerpot would make it so you would not have to worry about the plant while you are on vacation. Something to think about isn't it?