January Joy

They’re lovely plants Janey, and “gems” is the right word.

It’s so great to have you back! I have been wondering how you are . . . x

Lovely to see you Sheila!! I hope alls well with you, Happy 2018 to you and your family..
Thank you, it's good to be here...ive been a bit like my computer system...on off...more off than on, but it's a new year now, getting myself and the computer sorted....ha ha.xxx

That's a thing abut this time of year - every little surprise is so valued! Surprising to see the Hebes doing so well after all the horrible weather we've been having. Have you had a cover on the Christmas Rose, it looks so pristine!

Hi Stera! The Hebes are doing really well, I have a beautiful red leaved one with dark purple flower and even after the snow they are shining bright.. I never cover anything Stera, it could be the shelter of the walls helping. This is a very strange Christmas rose, must be its 8th or 9th winter, it never grows any larger, no seeds set and it always has the same clump of flowers which last a couple of months....then that's it till next December...bright stars in the gloom..

They are just what you said 'Bright stars in the gloom.' Lovely little signs of life and colour.

All looking lovely Janey,and agree about Hebes,as one of mine is still in flower too..I cut it back to almost ground level last year,and it has rewarded me even better since !
Nice to see all that colour in your garden,..enjoy.xx

We've had a snow shower this morning, but still not enough to call 'snow', or make a pretty picture. At this time of year, anything flowering in the garden is a jewel of great price! Your Hebes are doing well Janey...mine are all succumbing to the cold right now, but still evergreen. I think the trick with the Ipad is to make sure your camera lens on the back of the ipad, is at the top when you take the photo. That seems to work. x

Lovely blog. Your photos look great.

Lovely Janey, thanks for brightening these dull January days. Your Hebes are great, never thought they would flower at this time of year, how good is that !

Thanks Wildrose..just noticed a group of Aconites...missed them!
I'll remember that Sandra, I'm always a bit wary of pruning Hebes when they're looking good, but two are too large really....when will I do it?
Karen...I have to get leads etc sorted so I can upload pics from my camera like yours to the iPad, without going through the computer, and the same with the phone....arghh.....its all beyond me!
Thank you Linda, they didn't come out too bad considering :)
I didn't expect the cerise pink one to be flowering now Dawn, I checked it again this afternoon after being in the greenhouse sowing sweet peas, and it is full of flower buds...weird or what??

I never upload photos from my camera to the Ipad Janie. I didn't even know you could get a lead to do that! Sometimes I just use my Ipad to take the photos.

I think I cut it back in late spring ,Janey..just a spur of the moment thing,as you do ! Lol..and to be honest,I thought I'd finished it off ..It took a bit to get going again,but it's a nice compact shape now. It had got very straggly..Just take it as low as you dare,to where you can see growth..I gave it a good feed,and kept it well watered...go for it girl :o) x

I know Apple like you to buy all their products so that everything is conversant with each other, but I've been looking on line and I think I'll be able to get leads that will work. I haven't used my camera for a long time, have you?

Oh yeah...use it all the time. Still haven't really got to grips with it, but I used it on Thursday when we went to Edzell. Might post some photos in a blog soon. x

Ha ha Sandra, the number of times I've done that with plants then wished I could glue the prunings back on!
These are large bushes but a nice healthy round shape....probably come the end of winter they'll need tidying up though. Go for it girl! Is my new motto!?

Oh you do Karen....where is Edzell?? I certainly hope your still using Intelligent Auto....?

I am Janey! Although I have a setting for up close to a flower which I got from a series of 'cheat cards' written by a professional photographer that I found on Facebook. Very useful! But I've only learned that one 'cheat' so far! Edzell is just at the foot of the Cairngorm range on the banks of the River South Esk. Its about 40 minute drive from here and one of our favourite walking places. The wildflowers in spring are absolutely beautiful.

Hello Janey and welcome back, not good when the internet goes haywire at the time when you are a tad down yourself, pleased to see you are getting sorted, lovely to see the colour in your garden, soon be springtime and we'll all be happy bunnies again...

That sounds a beautiful walk Karen....will,look forward to a spring blog with lots of wild flowers.

Hello Lincs, thank you, hope alls well with you. I know, we're going the right way for the sun and already the days are lengthening..?. Spades and forks will soon be having an airing..ha ha.