Bark and Other Saving Graces

Lately, I have become obsessed by winter interests in the garden. For some reason, as I advance in years, winter lengthens, while summer seems to become ever fleeting. Consequently, as I look out into the garden on these winter/spring days, my eye finds solace in the bark, the form of the plants,  and yes, the flowers.

Paper bark maple. Love its' indomitable character.

Crape myrtle, yes beautiful flowers, but also outstanding bark-titude.

Osmanthus delavayii as it is meant to be.  Gracefully sprawling a spread of four feet with oh such precious fragrant white flowers.

This time of year is time to pay homage to the hellebore.

A friend of mine suggested placing a hellebore in a hanging basket.  So instead of looking at drooping flower heads, one can at this angle, see the lovely insides of the flower.  Oh, JOY!

                                      

Savor the early bloomers

            Let's face it, this is the season in which being creative with flowers is a necessity.  Finding color may take the hindsight of planting an amaryllis in January and reaping the rewards with the velvet flower heads now.

           Another idea is to use a shallow vase, in my case I bought a two dollar clear vase and covered it in hellebores.  Much like gardenias.  If you want too add another element, place a floating candle for in the evening.  Instant atmosphere.

           Go cut budded daffodils put them in a vase and boom you have instant sunshine in a glass.