Happy New Year!

Its been a temperate December despite our recent, but short cold spell. In Fall of 2021 we planted Anna's Red hellebores. They didn't produce blossoms as they settled in to our hot and dry Piedmont garden. It looks like they will produce blossoms in winter 2023. The stems are a beautiful color.

Winter's Bliss hellebores are already budding.

Maddie Rose knew how to handle the cold spell. She loves her evening naps while I cook.

On Dec. 31st. we woke up to warmth and deep fog which is unusual here. In fact, New Year's Eve was a very wet and warm day.

It always makes me smile to see a Bluebird even though he looks grey in the fog. The direct sunlight reveals their bright blue feathers. He is joined by a White-throated sparrow and a Cardinal.

In contrast, we had a spectacular day on Dec. 29th with highs in the 60s.

The cold snap around Christmas was brutal for us. The highs were in the 20s for Dec. 23, 24, 25, and 26th. At least we didn't have ice and snow. Another positive is the Cedar Waxwings. They came for the ligustrum berries early this year with a few Robins. They fed for several days which leaves a mess, but they are so beautiful. This video captures them drinking and bathing in the garden pond after it melted. They are having a grand time. Please watch it on full screen to see their lovely coloring.

I wish everyone a wonderful 2023 with good health and success in all of your endeavors !