Camellia
Last summer when I visited their new home my sisters’ garden was a cool green respite from the August heat. When I visited this week their shrubs and early bulbs were providing plenty of seasonal color in these last days of winter.
The garden, filled with mature plantings, has been a joy for them as plant surprises unfold regularly. Numerous Camellias have provided a progression of blooms.
One exciting surprise for me was seeing they have Snowdrops Snowflakes
growing in a sunny front border along with a variety of Narcissus. I let my sisters know my garden has none but could use a Snowdrop Snowflake or two when these need to be divided. [Note: Pauline helped me identify these correctly as Leucojum (Snowflake), not Galanthus (Snowdrop). Thanks so much Pauline!]
In the back part of the garden tall palm trees intermingle with hardwoods, pines, and magnolias. On this day robins, cardinals and numerous other birds darted overhead from tree to tree or pecked along the ground, filling the air with their chatter. Sonorous wind chimes sang along. Secluded and peaceful, this garden inspires calm and serenity.
Palm Canopy
New Growth On Magnolia
Along the side of the property golden Forsythia flowers stand out against the deep green English Ivy. English Ivy is widespread in this garden and is invasive in the Southeast. My sisters have begun hand-pulling the vines this winter and will probably be dealing with it a long time.
Forsythia and English Ivy
Several garden sculptures bring personality and charm to the setting.
Inside the house is a collection of orchids in the sun room. They are all beautiful, especially this one with its rich, exotic color.
This is a lovely garden and in a few weeks irises, dogwoods, rhododendron and azaleas will be the stars. I am looking forward to the next visit with my sisters.
pbmGarden 
Everything you do on your blog is so beautiful it feels personal. I love it. And now we see you are part of a sisterly love of gardens. Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
Such a sweet comment LInda. Thanks so much.
How lovely! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! It was a pleasure to write about this garden today.
They are so beautiful, especially the Camellias.
Thanks! Wish you could see those Camellias in person. They were hard to photograph.
Thanks for featuring our garden today. Great photos. Come get some cuttings anytime.
I may take you up on that offer Judy. It would be like being in a candy store.
Your sister is very lucky to have so many lovely plants in her garden. It is so exciting to discover a new garden when it becomes yours. Christina
I think so too Christina. They’ve had something blooming non-stop since moving in last spring, so they’ve almost seen the entire cycle.
A lovely garden, with spring bulbs AND palms! How lucky you are to share a love of gardening with your sisters. Hope they can part with some snowdrops for you. (The best time to divide them is NOW!) 😉
It is unusual to see palms around that area, I think, but apparently there are several other homes nearby that have palms also. I am hoping to score some of the bulbs (turns out they are snowflakes, not snowdrops). My sisters don’t have Hellebores so maybe I can strike up a trade! Have a good day Cathy.
How lovely!
Thanks, I do agree! Thanks for your comment. Susie
Such a lovely selection of Camellias, it is always exciting discovering what pops up in a new garden, it looks as though the previous owners were serious gardeners. I think you might find that the snowdrops are snowflakes, Leucojum not Galanthus, but they can be treated just the same as snowdrops when splitting, they are such pretty plants with flowers that look just like Tiffany lampshades, you have reminded me that I must split mine now!
Hi Pauline. I’m so grateful you helped me identify the snowflakes properly. I like them quite a lot and have been drooling over your snowdrops too so now I hope to add both to my garden. Thanks!
This garden has so many different camellias–I’m just amazed. My photos don’t do them justice.
Take care. Susie
A beautiful peaceful garden indeed.
Yes, there’s a nice sense of privacy and quiet.
Those camellias are just like the ones grown by our neighbour. We do not need to grow any as these pop their heads above the fence.
That’s nice to be able to extend your view with your neighbor’s camellias.
Okay now I’m just jealous – it’s snowing and minus 10C here! Seriously though, this garden is a feast for the eyes, a boost for the spirit and a wee bit o’ green for St. Pat’s Day – thanks!
Sue
Glad you enjoyed the green Sue! I don’t envy you the snow and cold. Hope your spring arrives soon. Susie
I enjoyed seeing the camellias that are in bloom for you. We have hellebores and camellias in full bloom so we are just about the same spot in spring that you are enjoying. Your photos are amazing, thank you for sharing.
Hi Charlie. Thanks for visiting my blog. I checked out your Seattle Trekker too. You’re doing some interesting articles there and I look forward to reading more.
Your sister has a lovely garden. The Camellias are especially beautiful.
Hi Jennifer. It’s nice they have the garden to enjoy. The Camellias give them year-round color. Thanks for your comment.
Love those camellias!
I need to add some camellias to my own garden–three is not enough.