Curiously the mild winter we are having hasn’t resulted in lots of flowers in the garden this Boxing Day. Last year I had a bumper count at 35 and I put this down to last year’s mild winter but presumably it is more subtle than that. I do believe that some plants need a cold snap to help them start flower but that’s just wild guess work on my part.
My Mahonia has finally forgiven me for being lopped probably 3 years ago. I wanted to avoid a shrub with just one stem so I chopped it down to the ground and then spent a year, almost, anxiously watching to see if anything would appear. Finally new shoots reluctantly put in an appearance and the shrub now has 3 stems and is producing good size flowers.
Grevillea victoriae is my favourite shrub at the moment. It is one of two Grevilleas I have – the second being Grevillea Canberra Gem – and I adore them both. To be fair the Grevillea victoriae flowers haven’t really opened yet but any excuse to include a photo of it.
A bit of colour on the retaining wall courtesy of Jasminum nudi-florum. Last year I removed the clematis that also grew in this space and the Jasminum seems to have improved. I suspect the increased flowering is because I can prune it better without the clematis – I must investigate when I should be pruning the plant as I have a habit of pruning when I think of it.
In recent years I have developed a bit of a weakness for Euphorbias and Euphorbia rigida is the first to start flowering although I don’t think the other will be far behind.
Even the number of primulas in flower this year are less than last year but I can always rely on this lilac, or is it pink, primula to be flowering at Christmas.
The first snowdrop is about to pop open its flowers. I can’t for the life of me remember which variety this is and the label seems to have gone missing. I will have to do some research on the blog to see if it has featured at this time of the year in the past.
In the greenhouse this little Cyclamen is flowering, I may have to keep a magnifying glass in the greenhouse just so I can see the flowers.
Although the number of plants flowering this Boxing Day is significantly down on last year, at a mere 12 compared to 35 last year and 17 the year before there are buds a plenty. The hellebore above will be flowering soon and other are hot on its heels; last year some were already in flower which was rather early.
You can access previous Boxing Day flower count posts here
Boxing Day 2015
Boxing Day 2014
Boxing Day 2013
Boxing Day 2012
Boxing Day 2011
December 26, 2016 at 6:18 pm
This is most interesting Helen, as I have found it is the same here – I have taken my photos today but will post tomorrow. Oh, and isn’t this the same snowdrop you couldn’t find the label for last year and between us we helped you identify it…?! Moral – write a new label before it goes out of your head again! 😉 (but at least it will be in the comments from last year, if it is the same one that is)
December 26, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Hi Cathy
No I think that was in the other border – will look back in comments though just in case
December 26, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Such a great idea to show links to previous years’ posts so we can compare. The 2015 link seems to be going to 2014.
December 26, 2016 at 11:06 pm
Thanks Susan – I will tweak
December 26, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Little gems of colour!
December 27, 2016 at 10:16 am
Interesting that you should say this, I have noticed the same thing. I usually do a Xmas Day count and I have fewer flowers in bloom this year. Like you I was surprised as it has been so mild. I love Grevillea victoriae is it hardy?
December 27, 2016 at 11:21 am
Hi chloris
The grevillea victoriae is supposed to be hardy but not as hardy as Canberra gem. We haven’t had a hard winter since I planted it to we shall see
December 27, 2016 at 1:16 pm
I am sure the snowdrop will be identified, one way or another 😉 My count (a mere 14) is here https://ramblinginthegarden.wordpress.com/2016/12/27/a-less-floriferous-boxing-day/ and I was interested to read that Chloris has also noticed fewer blooms
December 27, 2016 at 2:14 pm
Hmm.. Must go out and pay attention to the plants in our yard to see whether any of them are flowering!
December 27, 2016 at 7:59 pm
I hope that you had a good Christmas Helen. Fewer blooms here too but this autumn was colder in this neck of the woods compared to 2015. Hard to tell what your snowdrop is but possibly Mrs Macnamara. I’m convinced that squirrels are making off with some of my snowdrop labels so will have to invest in more permanent markers.
December 27, 2016 at 8:05 pm
Hi Anna
Now I have a feeling I had Mrs Macnamara so it could well be that
Hope you had a good Christmas too