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.

 Our witch hazels are in full bloom and what a show!

 Hamamelis x intermedia 'Jelena'

This holly is a definite "Wow" for me!   Ilex 'Conty' Liberty (trademark name) is a hybrid which comes from a cross between 'Mary Nell' and 'Red Delight' hollies and has a natural pyramidal form.  In late fall, the branches are smothered in bright scarlet berries which contrast strikingly with the deep green leaves.  Best of all, the berries persist into winter.  

 A glass of OJ or a cup of coffee in the morning can't top beginning your day seeing the beauty of the winter blooms of Camellia japonica.  

Enjoy our parade of Camellia blooms in the weeks to come!  

We begin our parade ...

Camellia japonica 'Tama Electra'

Camellia japonica 'Tama Americana'

 One of my winter chores is to cut back the ratty foliage on our hellebores

Before hellebore cleanup

                                            After hellebore cleanup

                                     My first hellebore to bloom and I                                                             don't remember the cultivar!
                                                           

Helleborus 'Frosted Rose'

Helleborus 'Golden Lotus'

Witchhazels are a winter favorite.  Hamamelis vernalis 'Quasimodo' is a semi-dwarf with a compact spreading habit.   

 'Quasimodo' has small, spider-like, fragrant flowers.

 Joys of late winter in the garden ...

Crocus are peeping through the ground.

Galanthus 'Lady Beatrix Stanley' is an adorable snowdrop.  It is a fully double with nodding white flowers with small green teardrops at the tips of their inner petals. The long, narrow outer petals enclose the inner petals which resemble many layered petticoats. Note the little green teardrops in the photo below.

These snowdrops will happily multiply to form large colonies.  I noticed just this year that I have several more than I did last year, and I am looking forward to enjoying many more!