Wow, 2025 is gone except for the memories! I must have been busy in December because I missed posting completely. Time away and sorting mysterious issues with arthritic fingers are my excuses but now, here we are January 1^st, hyacinths rising up out of their pots and amaryllis about to burst. The little Douglas Fir, that was our Christmas tree came down yesterday and thoughts will turn to seeds plus garden plans.

The pause between Christmas and New Year is always such a time of reflection and this year with little snow, overcast days and short light hours it seemed especially so. It was gloomy. I am prepared now, for the light that celebrations this time of year, prepare us for. Bring on the seeds, the bulbs, the catalogues and the energy.

I spent some time today in a chilly damp greenhouse emptying Christmas arrangements. I would normally not do much in the greenhouse at this time of year but temperatures have been so mild(for us). Things are usually frozen in place until March. The only time I go in and out is to use the space as an extra fridge or deep freeze. I used the time today, as rain pattered on the glass, to remove some bulbs from garage storage and repot them into a bowl used previously at Christmas.

The red berried Gaultheria, that I removed, I hope will make it through ’til spring. It is not really zoned for this area but with a little greenhouse protection I’m hoping I will be able to plant it out in spring. These small Gaultherias sold at Christmas for their bright red berries were a delight to use.

Using left over moss from fall foraging, previously pruned twigs from Coryllus avellana, some Sempervivens plucked from winter-housed pots and forced Hyacinths collected from garage storage, I assembled this. I look forward to its development and resulting spring fragrance .

May 2026 be a happy and floriferous one for everyone.

Cathy of Rambling In the Garden and all her followers I am sure wil ensure it will be so. Head over to see flowers from gardens still awake enough to produce blooms!

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