It has been ages since the time when I wrote nearly daily blog entries here at pbmGarden. The goings-on in my garden are still going on, often are photographed and frequently, posts are conceived and begun, only to become abandoned for other priorities.
But the after-holidays have provided a bit of respite and this morning I had a chance to wander out into a mist of fog. First stop just out the front door our river birch beckoned. It was 47 degrees at 9:00 a.m. heading up to 67.
River Birch On Foggy Morning
By the front steps Winter daphne bides its time. Each year once I have detected daphne’s pink buds, I become anxious for the appearance of white blossoms and fragrant perfume.
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
Near the front sidewalk an enterprising insect architect had been busy fashioning a pyramidal model.
Ilex cornuta ‘Carissa’ (Carissa Holly)
Ilex cornuta ‘Carissa’ (Carissa Holly)
Ilex cornuta ‘Carissa’ (Carissa Holly)
Temperature and rainfall measurements have been all over the place since late October. There have been dark days, wet ones, cold, brisk and sunny ones and a few, balmy. Off and on during this day weak sun broke through for a short time and the sky tended toward blue before settling back into dull whitewashed gray.
I stepped across the street into the neighborhood’s park for a few more photos.
Foggy Morning
Foggy Morning
The trees were filled with birds but I could not make out what kind, nor could I grab an image. I watched them dance from branch to branch and listened to their songs and maybe that was enough.
Foggy Morning
Foggy Morning
Returning home I paused at the front garden to note Iberis (candytuft) planted 18 years ago still manages to if not thrive, survive; whereas, in the meditation circle and other spots in the back gardens it is very short-lived. It is an attractive ground cover even when not in flower. I do not know what is different about this one, not sure of its name. Others I have tried are Iberis sempervirens ‘Alexander’s White’ and ‘Purity.’
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) With Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) With Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Nestling up to the Iberis is visually delicate Aquilegia canadensis. This native columbine is tough despite its dainty look and remains green most of the winter. Leaves sometimes take on a charming purple-red hue.
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) With Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Through the years columbine has helped itself to new locations all around the yard. Recently I have learned to call it a useful ground cover and feel much better about it.
Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern red columbine)
Are you enjoying a lull in your normal routine? Hope the days bring whatever you need, bustle or calm.
pbmGarden 
Thank you for this peace
Thinking of you!
Nice moody photos, Susie. It suits the post-holiday downtime. Happy New Year!
Moody, yes! Apt. Thanks Eliza. Happy new year!
Fog adds an element of mystery unlike anything else. It’s as if the world is standing still. The spiderweb surprised me – I thought the adults generally die off in cold weather and the babies don’t emerge until it grows warmer.
Your recent foggy images inspired me Kris! I don’t know about the spider cycle but these particular shrubs seem to attract spiders. It has been warm recently here.
Thank you for posting! I know what you mean about intending to post and then things come up. I’m focused right now on Garden Bloggers Fling posts, so my own blog is hit or miss. I really enjoyed these particular photos. I envy your climate, where signs of spring are with you all winter. 🙂
Glad this resonated with you Beth! I’m following news of the Fling. It promises to be wonderful. I’d love to go this year, but not sure I can get away.
The fog gives a whole new look to the landscape. That spider has been working really hard. I still have Christmas company and can’t wait to get out to the garden next week.
Enjoy company and the garden when you can.
I enjoyed your musings! Happy New Year!
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Thank you. Happy New Year Corinna!
Happy New Year! Thanks for a relaxing start to the day, we have a similar feel here but more drizzle and less balmy temperatures.
A nice review of the state of the garden for late December. Good photos. Happy New Year!
Thanks. I didn’t even show the daffodils up 4 inches. It was about 75 degrees yesterday. Happy new year!
Eek. That would make me nervous. Though I think it’s ok as long as the flower buds haven’t formed.
A lovely post Susie. Your winter ground cover is attractive and reminds us of the flowers to come! I need to find time to go outside and take some photos of what I see too.