Garden Bloggers' Blooms Day: Flowers for the New Year

Daffodils in bloom in January

It's time for the annual flower census, where I pay particular attention to what's in bloom at VP Gardens in the new year. It's the only time I do this; my reasoning is there's plenty of interest at other times of the year, and if January has something, then I must be doing something right. As a result it's the only time I can do an exact comparison between the years and it's good to have that. Of course, the weather has a major role to play in what's actually there.

There are always some surprises. The main one this year was daffodils in bloom before Christmas. Even more surprising is they've continued to bloom, despite almost two whole weeks of below average temperatures laced with ice and hoar frost. They actually flowered a few days ahead of the snowdrops and I'm pleased to find the snowdrops are now restoring order to the seasonal world with their delightful display both in the garden and on the public land next door.

Here's this year's list, with some notes on how it differs from or agrees with the one I made in 2020. 

In Bloom both years

New for 2021

  • Daffodils (though they have flowered in late January before)
  • Coronilla valentina subsp. glauca 'Citrina' - it bloomed later last year and I posted about it for April's Blooms Day
  • Winter honeysuckle - in bud last year
  • Lawn daisies!
In bud
  • The Christmas hellebore, Helleborus niger. This never flowers according to its common name for me; January/February is always more reliable.
  • Sweet box, Sarcococca confusa
  • Nemesia 'Wisley Cream' - surprise! It's in a sheltered spot on the patio
Seen in 2020, but not 2021
  • Strawberry 'Just Add Cream'
  • Primrose 'Cottage Cream'
  • Perennial cornflower
  • Violas - because I didn't plant any

Despite the no shows, overall I have a slightly better count this year - 13 as opposed to 12 in 2020. I must have a think for some extra winter interest for the revamped border at the bottom of the garden.

I've also taken part in the BSBI's New Year Plant Hunt, results to come later in a post for Wildflower Wednesday.

How's your garden this Blooms Day?

Garden Bloggers' Blooms Day is hosted by Carol at May Dreams Gardens, where I'm anticipating lots of ideas for houseplants as many of her US blogging pals have plenty of snow.

Comments

  1. Lisa15 January 2021 at 15:47

    I've had Tete-a-Tete daffodils in bud in one of our rare snows, they looked so pretty peeking out. That wasn't January though. They aren't even up yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP14 February 2021 at 09:28

      Tete-a-Tete have still to make an appearance here too Lisa

      Delete
  2. Karin / Southern Meadows16 January 2021 at 12:24

    You have a lot in bloom this time of year! Our daffs are up but not blooming just yet. Enjoy your blooms!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP14 February 2021 at 09:29

      Thanks Karin - these daffs are blooming when they shouldn't!

      Delete
  3. betty-NZ20 January 2021 at 08:52

    You certainly have a running start for spring flowers!

    Feel free to share at My Corner of the World

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. VP14 February 2021 at 09:29

      That's right Betty! Welcome to Veg Plotting :)

      Delete
  4. John m18 May 2021 at 10:09

    Thank you for this , looking forward for next year

    ReplyDelete

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