December Treasures

It’s feeling an odd kind of week. I have made the decision to go back to work as a Dispensing Optician and start next Monday. I have had a wonderful time pursuing my floristry dreams, but decided the time is not right to make floral design my career. I even spent some time over the Summer gardening for other people. It was a joy to bring an elderly client’s garden back to life as she had lived in the same house for way  over 50 years. Today I have a streaming cold and was feeling quite morose spending the morning moping about on the sofa reading a book.

After lunch I looked out of the window and spotted a purple Anemone flower which shouldn’t have been in bloom in December. It was in bloom last year in April! That was the inspiration I needed. Armed with my camera I went to photograph this magenta beauty and then one thing led to another….

An hour later I had found some wonderful treasures hidden amongst the fallen leaves, which still of course needed tidying. Usually I see primroses and violets in March not December!

My hellebores are doing well which is to be expected. Now I need to look up a previous Blog Post and try to remember the names!

I bought this plant as an unknown cutting from the Oxford Botanic Garden a couple of years ago. It’s grown into quite a large bush which is in full flower at the moment with pea like yellow flowers. I still haven’t a clue what it is!

I know Physalis alkekengi (Chinese lanterns) can take over. However I love the seedhead skeletons. They look like Christmas baubles to me.

After an enjoyable hour with my camera I then gathered up some of the fallen leaves and debris which was in the way. I came in still suffering from my cold, but felt much more lively and refreshed from a bit of fresh air discovering my hidden garden treasures. I am looking forward to my new job. I am also looking forward to pottering in my garden again next year with no pressure, just for my own enjoyment. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this month’s hidden treasures in our garden too.