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.

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.

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.