My thanks to Helen Johnstone for her invitation to share what is happening in our gardens at the end of each month. I just returned from a Thanksgiving visit with my daughter and her family in San Diego. What should I find on my return but three inches of rain in the rain gauge, bare trees in the woods, and more evidence of freezing temperatures. There are a few stray oak leaves still hanging on…a few brightly colored by an afternoon sun…but the floor of the woods is covered with leaves.
I noticed a dozen or more clumps of wild ginger (Asarum canadense) growing in the woods. This is the first time I have seen them in my woods. A wider investigation turned up more clumps on both sides of the creek at the back of my garden. I must be more observant in the future for these kinds of natural gifts.
I did find a single Camellia japonica ‘Debutante’ bloom, a bit worse for the weather, but apparently protected in the interior of the plant at the edge of the woods. There are buds that look like they will survive to flower (if another frost doesn’t get them first).
The buds on the Camellia japonica ‘Governor Mouton’ have survived and look ready to open soon. (The dead leaves in the picture are the remains of this year’s ‘Blushing Bride’ hydrangea.)
The colored patterns of the bark on the ‘Osage’ crape myrtle are particularly attractive on a winter day and help bring unique color to the garden:
The only other blooming plants in the garden right now are the annual pansies in our pots:
Looking through the Carolina jessamine (Gelsimium sepervirens) arbor from the middle of the back garden:
A bit of color also comes from the foliage of Euphorbia x martinii ‘Ascot Rainbow,’ and the berries of Nandina domestica ‘Gulfstream.’
I like to use colored pots throughout the garden as architectural accents. Their presence is particularly helpful in winter.
Taking a walk through the garden at the end of the month, even in winter, helps me in so many ways to appreciate what we have, to see areas that can be improved, and to dream about “next year.” Please visit the postings of Helen Johnstone, the originator of this meme, and share with her what is happening in your garden.
A Walk in the Garden 
That’s a great blue urn in your last photo John. How nice to have wild ginger.
LikeLike
Thanks, Susie. The urn came from Southern States in Carrboro. I wish I could have afforded to get several of them.
LikeLike
Come spring, you’ll have to remember to look for the “little brown jugs” on your wild ginger (Hexastylis arifolia). I have a bit in my garden too, but not as much as my neighbor. I guess the English ivy that was once rampant here was responsible for its demise. The jug-like flowers are pollinated by flies, while the seed is dispersed by ants. Fire ants, however, eat the whole seed (not just the elaiosome), which is just one of the ways they contribute to native habitat distruction.
LikeLike
destruction…
LikeLike
Thanks, Marian. I will try to remember. I have seen them before when I was a tour guide at the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill.
LikeLike
I love the crape myrtle, stunning bark. Lots to cherish in your garden…looking forward to seeing the camelia bloom!
LikeLike
Thank you, Annette, It was just by chance that the crape myrtles we bought (‘Osage’) have this bark characteristic. Others we have are just a boring gray.
LikeLike
Your garden still has so much promise for the winter and next year, all the bark and winter foliage, plus the buds for winter color! I’m a little envious as I look out the window at the cold gray!
LikeLike
Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate what I have going, but I am still looking forward to spring.
LikeLike
so nice to see your garden and blog. I am PRIVELEDGED TO BE Jack Olney’s mom. gEORGE , Jack’s dad AND I have been living in Mt. Dora, Fl.for last 14 years. we look forward to pleasure of meeting you and elizabeth’s mom next year when those two tie the knot. you might like to know that our Woods “N Water Park has begun this year a nice raised garden box garden that about 18 folks sign up for . It is going well and they have regular dinners to raise money for citrus trees added and reflecting spots to just relax and watch it grow. Papaya grows well here. It is nice addition WHICH BENEFITS WHOLE COMMUNITY. LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING BACK. fellow plant lover, CONNIEOLNEY@GMAIL.COM p. S. I have 2 large pink vinca pots that are happy over winter and have been reseeding themselves. i have a nice bleeding heart plant that is thriving on side of home (afternoon sun ) just there one year and is now visible out that dining window.
LikeLike
Thanks, Connie. We too are looking forward to getting together and meeting you and George. Your Park project sounds like a winner; glad you are involved. Will be fun to discuss it with you.
LikeLike