Blue skies and cold temperatures, the real January has arrived. On a walk round the suburban streets here I gently peeked into front gardens and spotted the first camellias opening up, beautiful sprays of red nandia berries and the delicate yellows of winter flowering honeysuckle. Blue Monday has passed and all is well. Inspired by what I had seen I looked more carefully at my garden and here’s what I found.
One
The first crocus is in bud, beautifully veined and full of the promise of butter cream flowers.
Two
The cyclamen bought on the cheap a year ago have decided to flower, the white is delicately flushed with pink, just perfect.
Three
The magnolia tree is in furry bud and some had even dared to open, perhaps a little too soon. Temperatures for tonight are forecast to be lower and I’m hoping there won’t be too much damage done.
Four
In expectation of cold weather the evergreen agapanthus have been fleeced since November but the fleece, in its second year of use, is crumbling away. If anyone can recommend some more reliable fleece I’d be pleased to hear from you. I’ve gathered this together and tied the top up with string.
Five
In the greenhouse the temperature overnight on Friday just managed to stay above freezing. I was thrilled to see the new growth on these rose cuttings that came all the way from fellow SOSer, Fred in France. I am very excited to think that I might have some beautiful white miniature roses soon. Thanks Fred.
Six
There are new buds on the cotoneaster villosus which, again, I have to hope won’t be crushed by frost. So much excitement and so much jeopardy. Is this why gardening is so thrilling?
Could this be the weekend the vine is pruned and the hellebores planted out. Dry weather is forecast but will my fingers stay warm for long enough? I’ll also have a look at the plans of other SOSers by visiting The Propagator, host of this meme and leader of the pack. Happy gardening to all.
n20gardener 
You are quite right, gardening is a heady mix of fear and joy! Lovely crocus heralding the way to spring. Keep warm. 🙂
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I’m very happy to see that the rose cuttings have started !! They all look good to me.
About the fleece, I had the same problem: sometimes after a season, sometimes after two years. The qualities being very variable, I try to buy fleeces of 30g/m2. (“Nortene” brand in France)
They last longer but are a bit expensive.
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I think you are right about the weight, 17grams does not last well at all.
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That’s a beautiful cyclamen. Mine all flower in the autumn. I must get some more varieties.
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Isn’t it just the thing, the one you like you can’t remember the type. All I know is they cost £5 for several of them!!
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I always enjoy Spring and looking for new growth! All the work is worth it to me then! AND I’m always amazed when it comes up!
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Just how I was feeling. Makes it all worth while.
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Isn’t it lovely to see some sun and all those promising buds?
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It was very cheering. Gave my spirits a lift🙂
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Thrilled to see the french rose doing so well. Great picture of the crocus. I’ve never noticed veining like that on mine. I must look closer this year!
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The crocuses are new in the garden for this year, hence all the close observation. Of course I should have bought more, on the list they go!
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Beautiful Crocus and Cyclamen. It’s an exciting time of year, although a couple of hard frosts has knocked a few things back
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Can you be told too many times how beautiful that crocus is? Such an excellent design. I sending good vibes to your magnolia. If its opened, hopefully it’s protected enough. We had frost here last night, so maybe it’s already been tested. Will the flower stay yellow? Such a warm shade of it. And how fantastic that the rose cuttings have new growth! Little white roses, here you come.
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The magnolia is a pink colour so I was surprised to see the yellow – I’ll watch it closely to see how it develops. I am enjoying the crocuses, a few more have come through even in this cold weather!
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Winterized agapanthus seems so . . . odd. They are popular because they are so easy to grow. They are really undemanding. I don’t know what I would do if they did not want to be out in the winter. I suppose I would grow something else instead.
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