Christmas Cheer is the name of these three Kureme azaleas. I’ve had them for about 30 years, and they’ve never bloomed at Christmastime – until this year. I’m delighted, but the recent weather has them so confused since they’re usually Spring bloomers.

This Encore azalea is not confused. It blooms periodically all year and has performed well for the past couple of months.

And this tall bleeding heart vine has been spectacular! You see it reaches the rooftop with flowers covering the whole plant.

Here is my Winter salad garden. I couldn’t plant the lettuces, herbs, and chard in my usual spot. We’re still waiting on a guy to replace the deck, and I didn’t want to disturb my veggies if he comes anytime soon. (Hope springs eternal.)

I’m putting out some pansies and other winter flowers. In my humble opinion, you can’t have too many pansies.

Last week, the Winter’s first paperwhite narcissus bloomed. I cut it for a little arrangement with some bleeding heart, impatience, begonia, and one little vinca (periwinkle). Colder temps are starting to move in, so these tender annuals will be dead pretty soon. In the meantime, the colors are nice for a temporary seasonal arrangement.

I won’t post the garden until after the first of the year, so I wish all of you a very Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.

Dottie