What a surprise! 5th December and the first snowdrop is flowering in my garden. Even more surprising is that it isn’t Galanthus Ding Dong which I know I have and thought was my earliest snowdrop. I can’t find a label with it and I have been very careful in labelling snowdrops with substantial black labels which will stand out but there is nothing here at all. I am completely mystified as to what it is. I will have to wait until the flower opens properly and then maybe someone can id it for me. I will also do some rummaging through my label box to see if there are any clues there.
Primula palinuri
I am not completely inept when it comes to labels and plant names. I know that this is Primula palinuri grown from AGS seed probably 3 years ago. It flowered for the first time last year in time for the Boxing Day Flower Count but then it was living in the greenhouse cosseted and pampered. It has spent the summer out on the patio amongst the various pots and for some reason was overlooked when I moved all the tenders back under cover but it seems to be doing very well despite the buffeting it has received in recent days.
This out of focus photo represents expectations. It shows one of three emerging flower heads on my Edgeworthia. I am very hopeful that this year, year 2, there will be good flowers. It is planted within sight of my living room window so hopefully it will be something to cheer me through the winter.
And adding to my expectations of a floriferous spring is this unknown Camellia. It is positively groaning with flower buds given its size and I have noticed that the rhododendrons and, very exciting, the witch hazel are full of flower buds which I think is as a result of the mild and damp summer we have had.
Whatever the reason it gives you something to look forward to in the New Year, which is always good.