Blue July

 

I went out this morning to see if my Rhododendron Christmas Cheer was flowering, luckily it thinks it is nowhere near the season. I goggled why it was called such a stupid name when it flowers in late winter. In times of old apparently, being one of the earliest rhododendrons to flower it would be forced under glass to produce blooms for Christmas (UK). Good for northern climes yet gardeners round about gamble with it (a bargain, mislabeled, I think have it too). It gets browned with heavy frost- like toasted candy floss. Russian roulette with rime loaded chamber.

I found a treasure out in the frost - snowdrops flowering. A new season is beginning, tui chime. Excitement with heady rush from Wintersweet, clove like and magical.

I bought Supernova blue primula for pots a year or two back and it is very happy and multiplying where I replanted it in Corduroy's garden.  I planted it in at least one other spot where it is not doing so well so that needs to be on my-to-move list.  My Mum spent years battling a periwinkle infestation in our childhood garden.  I do like the varigated one as I use the foliage for floral art at times.  I have it restrained in a couple of pots.  It is great ground cover if it can be restrained.