Winter. Since the arrival of winter there have been incidents of fierce wind, record rainfall, record heat and record cold, not at the same time but within amazingly close proximity. Today the sun looks cheery but, at 36 degrees F., it is 10-15 degrees colder than normal for this time of year.
Last Wednesday a light dusting of snow fell all around us, but not a flake appeared in pbmGarden.
At this point in January last year a few daphne blossoms were open already, but they are not ready this year. Though many branches are brown-tinged from cold damage the three bushes are filled with clusters of buds, waiting.
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Last year by the 8th of January Helleborus flowers were open, but today we are ten days past that mark. A very few are displaying tightly closed, pink-tinged fat buds, but on most of the plants the flowers are just barely emerging at ground level.
Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
During this winter pause the garden is tugging at my conscience, but only a little. Oh, yes indeed—it would be a good idea to start tackling those weeds again, but like these flower buds waiting to open, I am happy to bide my time for now.
pbmGarden 
For as much as I like the bursting out of spring colors, I like the anticipation and slow awakening just as much…. your buds look very promising!
Yes, it’s nice to have time to savor the changes.
Your Daphne and hellebores are about at the same stage as mine, poised, ready to open, full of anticipation. We have just had one slight frost which didn’t cause any damage thank goodness, but I keep reminding myself that February is usually our worst month!
Glad you haven’t had damaging cold (so far anyway). You have an amazing number of things blooming right now. I should think to add other things but the daphne and hellebores are my only winter interest for now.
very wise, enjoy your break and the warm anticipation 🙂
Thanks Annette.
It’s that time of year we all wait anxiously for, the colors that start to appear in the garden. It’s lovely to see your Helleborus budding; ours are still buried under a mound of snow.
There’s another teaser that we might have a “dusting” of snow tomorrow. It has happened but we don’t get many “mounds” of snow, at least not many that stick around for long.
We’re still waiting for winter here, but like Pauline February is usually our worst month. I wish I could smell the Daphne when the buds open, I love them.
February can be pesky here too sometimes. Enjoy the warm weather while you can. I am looking forward to the fragrance of the Daphne–wish I could share it with you.
Thank you for sharing your snaps of Spring. Further North and on the other side of the Country, the Hellebore is later here as well, although opened for a week. Our previous Summer and Autumn were unusually warm and dry. Not sure I will have daphne flowers this Spring. The beautiful green color and shape of their leaves is always welcome. Many plants are straining up out of the ground. Others, are more timid. Winter is not entirely finished in our neck of the woods. – The Healing Garden gardener
Last year was not as cold. Winter holds a tight grip this year. Possible snow today and lows between 15-20 degrees tonight. Fortunately most of the plants seem to have ways to protect themselves. Hope your Daphne will surprise you with flowers when the time comes so you can enjoy its lovely fragrance.
The anticipation of seeing those buds opening must be wonderful! Great pictures Susie!
Thanks Cathy. Those buds are staying put for now. Possible snow today and very cold 18 degrees F. tonight. Cold for a few days, so it seems the plants know to stay tucked inside a bit longer.
We just had another 5″ of snow, so I like the look of your buds filled with so much promise.
This too will pass?
Judging by my snowdrops plants are going to bloom a lot later this year. My hellebores are at the same stage as yours. Huge snowstorm here today with 12″ total expected and then single digits for three days, at least snow will insulate the plants.
I do hope the snow protects your plants Carolyn. We’re getting a bit of the same storm, with an inch(!) of snow projected, but so far, it’s pouring rain. Low temps are going to be a problem though. I’ve had a bit of damage on several young gardenias. Stay warm.