I had such a thrill to have this migratory bird visit us at MapleWalk ... a Baltimore Oriole!!!  I have put out a grape jelly feeder during the winter for the past two years, and never had any interest ... UNTIL THIS YEAR!!  The Baltimore Oriole has brought his partner to visit the grape jelly feeder, AND we've had a pair of Orchard Orioles visit as well.  I have been beside myself with delight!!  I feed mealworms to our bluebirds and the Oriole has decided he likes those worms as well, so it is quite a site to see Bluebirds, Orioles, Cardinals, and wrens show up when I ring our wind chime to announce it's mealworm time.

 

Baltimore Oriole at the jelly feeder. 

Bluebirds at the mealworm feeder.

 Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Snow Globe' is so wonderfully fragrant, not to mention the beautiful blooms.

 The camellia parade continues ...

Camellia japonica 'Tama Bambino'

Camellia japonica 'Nuccio's Pearl'

Camellia japonica 'Happy Harlequin'

 We're at it AGAIN!!  Tom and I made a road trip to Cline's Nursery in Shelby to purchase some more treasures for MapleWalk.  We left with a car full!!

There are more plants on the floor board and under my feet!

If you part the leaves of Asarum splendens (Chinese Wild Ginger) and look down into the base of the plant, you may find the cup-shaped, purplish brown flowers.  Asarum splendens is semi-evergreen, and a relatively quick spreader by rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover for shade.  It is best grown in moist, humusy, rich, well-drained soil in part sun to part shade.  The term splendens means "splendid,' possibly in reference to the showy leaf variegation.

Flower of Asarum splendens
Note the little slug who has found a hiding place inside the flower.

The variegated foliage of Asarum splendens

 Don't we all love our hellebores?  How can we not?!

Helleborus 'Apricot Blush'

Such a clear, pure white is found in
Helleborus 'Mrs. Betty Ranicar'

'

Helleborus 'Amber Gem'

Helleborus 'Cotton Candy'

Helleborus 'Black Diamond'

 Helleborus 'Jade Tiger'

Check out Tom's Valentine's gift to me ... a brand new red hand truck!! I am already putting it to work transporting yard debris to the street.  Tom's a man after my own heart!  Better than a box of chocolates?  Hmm, not sure!

The Camellia japonica parade continues ...

Camellia japonica 'Sandra Williams'

Camellia japonica 'April Remembered'

Camellia japonica 'Professor Sargent'

Camellia japonica 'Betty Foy Sanders'

Camellia japonica 'Silver Waves'
(This is probably my favorite white Camellia.)

Camellia japonica 'Governor Mouton'

Camellia japonica 'Jacks'
(Tom says if you can only have one camellia, it should be this one!)

 

Daphnes are temperamental for sure.  We have several different cultivars.  They will just up and die on you as we have experienced after losing some large ones.  Tom and I understand that, so when we lose one, we will just go out and purchase another one as we think they are worth it.  Their fragrance is heavenly so we tolerate their sensitive, and not so sunny, disposition!

Daphne odora 'Aureomarginata'

 This Camellia handelii is loaded with pink flower buds and white flowers which are arranged along the young stems.  The flowers generally face downwards.  The camellia has a weeping or drooping habit.  

Camellia handelii

 Originally listed as a Cornus mas, our 'Spring Glow'  was later recognized as Cornus officinalis 'Spring Glow' (aka Cornelian Cherry Dogwood).  This perfect ornamental tree is upright and uniform and may reach 15-20 feet in 15 years.  During the summer, red fruits begin to appear on the tree which can be a tasty treat for yourself or wildlife.  Fall color is bright red to deep maroon.  The yellow blooms in late winter make you think spring can't be far away!

Cornus officinalis 'Spring Glow'

Updated photo of Cornus officinalis in full bloom

More hellebores to enjoy ...

Helleborus 'Early Red'

Helleborus 'Peppermint Ruffles'

Helleborus 'Romantic Getaway'

 

 I have found this fern, Onychium japonicum 'Sichuan Lace' (aka Carrot Top Fern), although pretty, to be too aggressive for my liking and have dug it up in a couple of beds where I had it growing.  I only have one area now where I am letting it grow, but will be vigilant to keep it within bounds.  

Onychium japonicum 'Sichuan Lace'

This is one of beds where I have removed it, and replaced it with Rohdea japonica 'Fuji No Yuki.'  I am pleased with the result.  It's a good substitute for hostas ... especially since the deer don't seem to enjoy them!

Rohdea japonica 'Fuji No Yuki'

My new and improved bed.