Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A Chilly January Bloom Day


Camellia sasanqua/unknown variety
Temperatures have been below normal here in my zone 9b climate in the Central Valley of California.
Fortunately citrus growers lost only a small part of their crops when temps dropped into the upper 20's this past week.

And there were a few plants that were brave enough to break into bloom in my garden for this January Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day graciously  hosted by Carol from May Dreams Gardens. Visit her blog to see what's in bloom in other January gardens.

The happiest plants in my garden this month were the camellias.
Camellia sasanqua "Yuletide'

Camellia sasanqua 'White Doves'




Camellia japonica 'Debutante'










                                                                                           












Hardy Cyclamen



   The hardy cyclamen have been blooming for a      couple of months. 
Viola
Leucojum "Snowflakes'

Primula 'Primrose'


Geranium 'Rozanne' again
A lovely bouquet of alstroemeria to warm my heart from my sweet neighbor.

I hope you have enjoyed the beauty of nature on this January Bloom Day!

14 comments:

  1. Can't even believe what all you have blooming. What a difference it makes there. Lovely blooms too.
    Cher Sunray Gardens

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    1. Hi Cher, I think I should plant more camellias! This year when I don't have a lot of things in bloom, I really appreciate their blooms. Spring will be here before we know it, so hang in there!

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  2. Oh boy it's been cold. I love it!

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    1. Hi Maybelline, We had another frosty night last night but the days have been sunny.
      So I can tolerate that!

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  3. 'Debutante' is a camellia I don't have but it's always been a favorite. Gave my next door neighbor one where I used to live so I could see it out my window.

    All your blooms are so colorful and clear. Happy Bloom Day all week.

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    Replies
    1. We planted 'Debutante" years ago at our first house, and I always loved it. We planted this one last year and it is already producing a lot of flowers. I suppose you could say you have a "borrowed view" with your 'Debutante!'

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  4. Lovely photos! Hasn't this cold spell been long? I'm getting tired of it and having to remember to turn the lights and fountain on each night. Happy Bloom day!

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    1. Thank you, Leslie! This does seem like an extended cold spell. We are getting a little tired of covering up the vulnerable plants, too. But maybe the cold will take care of the snail and slugs, although I know from past experience that they are survivors.

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  5. Hi Dorothy, I love, love, love your camellias! Especially 'Debutante' has won my heart! I have two camellias as well but their buds are still tightly closed. My hardy geranium 'Rozanne' hasn't stopped blooming through the winter this year as well. I think it is totally amazing that it is capable of that! Happy Gardening!
    Christina

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    1. Christina, 'Debutante' is a favorite of mine, too. And isn't the 'Rozanne' geranium something else? I can see why it was once chosen perennial of the year!

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  6. I love that red hardy cyclamen! Wish we could grow them here.

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    1. Jason, Cyclamen seems to be one of those plants that likes my yard. After they bloom in my planting boxes in the spring, I move them out to the yard in the summer. I even had one that continued to bloom through the hot summer months!

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  7. Beautiful blooms, especially the camellias!
    Camellias will grow here - I really need to get some.
    Have a wonderful day!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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    Replies
    1. Hi Lea, I'm really enjoying my camellias this year. Although they don't flower in the summer, the shiny green foliage always looks refreshing. If they will grow in your area, I would recommend planting them! So many to choose from!

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