"Mel" wrote after...
"Sacha" said
I noticed today that despite the cold snap and now the gales, our Cornus
controversa variegata is still holding on to its leaves AND has new buds
appearing. Can't say I remember that happening before.

I was wondering about the same thing in my garden. Not only are there
still
leaves on clematis nelly moser, it also has several flowers in full
blooms!
Still are leaves on clematis fireworks and montana; hydrangea; weigela
florida; lavatera; spirea japonica and hardy fuchsias. And although most
of
the leaves have dropped off exochordia, it has new buds appearing. And
today I've noticed a couple of hebes have burst into flower, including
Maria
which I think is a spring variety. It was freezing up here last week, but
it's turned wet and mild again.

One of our Water lilies, "Peach Glow", has just pushed a flower bud above
the surface.

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London