A December stroll ~ CookingFood.Org

Typical weather for winter has returned with colder temperatures and more rain. We have had our first freeze and it has dipped down into the 20s (one night 24!) several times. I took a walk around the garden to see how the plants were handling this. The answer - surprisingly well!

Some, of course, do not like it at all. I knew Salvia 'Amistad' was very tender. Whether it makes it until next year remains to be seen. It is, however, a plant that I would purchase again. The hummingbirds loved it.

Salvia 'Amistad' and Mugo Pine 'Aurea'

Another iffy one is New Zealand Flax. I have never grown this before but I have always admired the imposing spikes of it in California gardens. I hear it is marginal here. The 24 degree night did not seem to phase it. Of course the wet conditions here during the winter are sometimes the culprit.

Phormium 'Rainbow Queen' (New Zealand Flax)

Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet' seems to really like the cooler weather. Look at all those buds!

Viburnum 'Spring Bouquet'

Another shrub that seems to be beautiful in all the seasons is Pieris (Lily of the Valley Shrub)...

Pieris 'Mountain Fire'

Rose buds are everywhere. I have never seen such pink buds on 'Marie Pavie'. This is a white rose with pale pink shadings. Look at these buds though...