You can see behind the blooms and buds of the Christmas Cactus the begonia is still going full force. 
I loved the shape of this Pancake Kalanchoe before it began to elongate. It had those big pancake shaped leaves all stacked up. I was so surprised to see it growing tall after I brought it into the house this fall. It is getting tall and setting lots of blooms on this tall stalk. I thought it was doing this because of lack of light. So I got on the net and read about these plants. It seems it does grow tall like this, blooms and then dies sort of like the life cycle of some agaves. I am pleased that there are several pups at the base of this plant. I wonder how long it will take it to go through this cycle?
As you can see in the background of these pictures the sun is shining today. It is quite a lovely winter day. Not too windy and warmer than it has been. These conditions made for a nice sashay through the garden to look for anything blooming outside.
This odd looking little bloom is on a Witch Hazel that is supposed to be Jalena. It isn't too exciting but it is nice to have a tiny blossom in January anyway. This is the shrub/tree that the lower part blooms in fall. This is the upper bloom. Weird but anything blooming in January is wonderful.'
I looked over the Helebores. The only one that has even a bud is Ivory Prince that is growing right beside the concrete patio.
The Prince is a hardy soul and he takes full advantage of the heat generated by the concrete patio. It won't be long and I will have a full fledged bloom here.
The Snowdrops aren't so lucky as to be beside the patio. they are out in a garden bed that is still frozen but they are trying their best to open.
I hope you are having a nice winter's day to enjoy the garden. If you need some more winter inspiration go to Carol's May Dreams Garden and see all who link their monthly blooms.
My Kalenchoe also has the tall stalk right now! Tiny bell flowers...the tiniestvof any year. Probably due to lack of fertilizer. I have been a none garden etc this last year...leaving things on auto pilot. I finally fertilized yesterday. Looking forward to seeing your garden come back to full life after winter!
ReplyDeleteXoxo- Julie
I do love that begonia Lisa. Christmas cactus are such reliable bloomers.
ReplyDeleteLovely day you have there.....won't be long before your garden starts to wake :)
My little Christmas cactus bloomed twice this year, too, but of course always after Bloom Day. I didn't realize they would re-bloom. Ooh, those snowdrops and hellebores look promising. If the next 8 weeks go as quickly as the last 8 weeks, spring will be here before we know it!
ReplyDeleteWinter's best bloomers here are Christmas Cactus, Kalanchoe and Begonia, too. My bulbs have a late start.
ReplyDeleteLisa your tiny 'Jelena' bloom without petals looks like the finished blooms on my native fall blooming H. virginiana. You said the lower part blooms in the fall? Did the upper part bloom and it was hidden by the leaves?
ReplyDeleteSince we still have some snow cover I completely forgot about GBBD! I am amazed you have visible Hellebore buds even if they are near a patio.
ReplyDeleteThat Kalanchoe is quite neat. I've never one like it. I did wonder when you said it was elongating if that had to do with a blooming cycle. Any tips on keeping a Christmas cactus? I have one that's been struggling for several years. Never quite dies, never grows well either but does manage to push out a couple blooms each year.
ReplyDeleteMargurite, All I can say about these cactus is first of all plant it in cactus soil, then mainly ignore it. It doesn't like to be coddled. Even being outside when it gets too much rain it pouts. It doesn't bloom until it comes in during the winter. This has been the best year for mine. I think it likes to be pot bound too. It is a mystery really. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blooms, Lisa. It looks as if some of your buds are anticipating spring as much as I.
ReplyDeleteThose little snowdrops are amazing. How do they wake up when they are surrounded by frozen ground?
ReplyDeleteWow on three bloom periods on the Christmas cactus. That is pretty amazing and what a great color. I am really surprised your snowdrops are so far along. I must go look for some here too. Ivory Prince is one of my favorite hellebores. So exciting it is getting ready to bloom! I've never tried orchids but they sure are pretty. It did look like a pretty day when you posted this. Today, not so much but hopefully spring will be here soon.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw my own kalanchoe getting bigger and bigger, I was quite astonished. I thought, it would keep the round "flower-form" size when I bought it (as I liked it especially for that). Here in our garden covered with snow, the hamamelis and some hellebores are flowering. The last ones are rather early, normally the bloom end of February, beginning of March. The first little snowdrops will soon be showing their tiny buds. I like your Christmas cactus who really deserves the name as it is blooming for Christmas, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteLucky you getting those blooms!
ReplyDeleteMy christmas cactus died and my stapeliad did not flower this year.
I am happy to look at your flowers instead though. :)
Lucky you to have inside blooms! The cats won over this year and no plants came inside that would not fit high upon two china cabinets. I am tired of fighting them in the No No room. LOL. I lost the Dragon Begonia with this indoor only cat issue. Love the color of that awesome Christmas catus! Stay warm...
ReplyDeleteHappy Bloom Day Lisa. I didn't post for bloom day this year. I simply forgot. However, my story would be similar to yours. My witch hazels aren't blooming yet, and the hellebores are hidden by leaves. Next sunny day, I'm getting out there and uncovering them. Thanks goodness for hardy plants. ~~Dee
ReplyDeleteBeautiful spring like photographs!
ReplyDeletelove your dog ^_^
Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol