What a surprise! 5th December and the first snowdrop is flowering in my garden. Even more surprising is that it isn’t Galanthus Ding Dong which I know I have and thought was my earliest snowdrop. I can’t find a label with it and I have been very careful in labelling snowdrops with substantial black labels which will stand out but there is nothing here at all. I am completely mystified as to what it is. I will have to wait until the flower opens properly and then maybe someone can id it for me. I will also do some rummaging through my label box to see if there are any clues there.
I am not completely inept when it comes to labels and plant names. I know that this is Primula palinuri grown from AGS seed probably 3 years ago. It flowered for the first time last year in time for the Boxing Day Flower Count but then it was living in the greenhouse cosseted and pampered. It has spent the summer out on the patio amongst the various pots and for some reason was overlooked when I moved all the tenders back under cover but it seems to be doing very well despite the buffeting it has received in recent days.
This out of focus photo represents expectations. It shows one of three emerging flower heads on my Edgeworthia. I am very hopeful that this year, year 2, there will be good flowers. It is planted within sight of my living room window so hopefully it will be something to cheer me through the winter.
And adding to my expectations of a floriferous spring is this unknown Camellia. It is positively groaning with flower buds given its size and I have noticed that the rhododendrons and, very exciting, the witch hazel are full of flower buds which I think is as a result of the mild and damp summer we have had.
Whatever the reason it gives you something to look forward to in the New Year, which is always good.
December 5, 2015 at 5:39 pm
In this weather, I’m surprised there aren’t labels cartwheeling around the garden!
December 5, 2015 at 6:01 pm
My labels are pretty well pushed in, possibly so well pushed in I can’t find it
December 5, 2015 at 5:57 pm
What lovely surprises to give you a boost on a grey and breezy day!
December 5, 2015 at 6:01 pm
Indeed,and the wind has blown the cobwebs down
December 5, 2015 at 9:25 pm
That’s good…
December 5, 2015 at 6:46 pm
We all need a pleasant surprise like that in the garden. It has been pretty gray and dreary here, maybe I need to walk through the garden again and take another look.
December 5, 2015 at 6:47 pm
Hi Charlie
I wasn’t really looking just going through the garden to the compost bin and something quite my eye, I couldn’t believe it
December 5, 2015 at 9:39 pm
There’s truly something special about first blossoms.
December 5, 2015 at 10:45 pm
Very cheered to hear that people are still growing Primula palinuri. I did quite well with it about 30 years ago growing it in cracks in a vertical sandstone quarry face. Had to leave it behind. It was only just hanging on in the wild then.
Post a pic of your camellia when it flowers; see if I recognize it.
December 5, 2015 at 11:51 pm
Labels sometimes have a habit of walking. It won’t be that long before your snowdrop opens up Helen and hopefully give you some clues. Whatever its identity it looks as if it’s clumping up well. It’s so exciting to see the promise of things of things to come.
December 5, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Quite amazing about the snowdrop. My daffs and bluebells are already on the move!!
December 6, 2015 at 12:00 am
Some flowers of the early spring just can’t wait – I have narcissus, garrya, and muscari in flower
December 6, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Wow, so exciting! I love when flowers *pop* out before they should 🙂