- Author: Sharon L. Rico
Winter finally arrived. I've found my winter vests to wear outdoors and yes, I am still gardening and loving it. Have created several miniature winter gardens in small-recycled containers that will be demonstrations for a presentation next month.
The sweet peas planted last month are about 4 inches tall. I'm watching them so I can wind them through the mesh netting when they are a little taller. Keeping snail bait around them is a must. One year they disappeared overnight when an army of starving slugs attacked. Come April they should be to the top of the mesh, in beautiful colors and their fragrance will knock your socks off. (The seeds ordered were called ‘The Perfume Mix').
Planted some Swiss chard and kale from seed for winter soup. It's in a raised planter close to the house so we can keep an eye on the plants and not have to walk in the mud. There is lettuce growing next to the kale that looks very happy and healthy.
It's early December and the tulip and daffodil bulbs from previous years are about ten inches tall. The clumps get thicker and thicker each year. We purchased a gigantic bag of ranunculus bulbs that have not made it into the soil yet. That is on the to-do list for this coming week. Maybe some will go in containers although experience reminds me that they perform better in the garden. They will be an explosion of color in late spring.
Pots of red cyclamen on the front porch bring Christmastime color as you walk in our home. They are in hanging baskets around the garden, too. Love their blooms that resemble butterflies. Cyclamen blooms can be red, pink, white or variations of these colors. The blossom edges are either smooth edged or ruffled.
The Hardenbergia (lilac vine) is forming spikes of blooms and the small purple flowers will soon be opening. Our plant is in a wine barrel and is over 20 years old. It has a large trunk, which indicates how old it is.
Primulas (primroses) are blooming in yellow, blue, red, white and purple. They do well in the garden or in containers, bringing color to the winter garden.
Our camellia plants are confused. One already has pink blooms, another is heavy with buds, and two others are now forming buds. They usually bloom anytime from December to May, but the last couple of years have flowered early.
And my favorite, the Daphne odora or Winter Daphne, is heavy with clusters of flower buds. Soon the heavy fragrance of this delightful shrub will fill the air. Gardening in winter is a different experience, but one I welcome with open arms.