Mahonia flowers budding up..:)

Nice aspect, Janey.

Thanks Kate, I'm looking forward to them colouring up, they'll light that corner then..:)

They are such a joy in the depths of winter! But gosh…so prickly. I’m thinking of having the prickle-less variety.

I love the smell of the flowers, reminds me of lilies of the valley.

They certainly are Karen. I pruned it back in the summer so was surprised to see the flower bracts and quite a few coming. Yes so prickly but I wear heavy gardening gloves when dealing with it..

They do Linda, very much and any pollinators that are still out and about get a good feast..:)

I do like mahonias. We have one near a short fence between front and back gardens to inhibit anyone who might think of climbing over it. In the back we have the soft-leaved mahonia 'Softeet Winter' Caress' which has its first flower now. A lovely thing. I am looking out for 'Sweet Winter', too.

Hi Ange yes they are a great deterrent aren't they. I do like the sound of your soft leaved ones, they sound perfect for now. I'm going to have a look at those online. I'd also like a coronilla, I keep meaning to get one but always forget, but I've remembered this year!!