On Fri, 1 Jan 2010 13:24:50 +0000, Sacha wrote:

in the garden and there was a *very* poor show, compared to most years.
This probably reflects the frosts we've had so far, much earlier than
we normally get them. The not-very-vast number of things in flower
was: Vinca oxyloba, Rosemarinus marenca, Mahonia bealei, Sarcococca
confusa and S. hookeriana, Camella Takanini and C. sasanqua Narumigata,
as well as the Camellia we think is 'Cherub'. The two latter are in
full bloom. There is also Correa backhousiana, Cestrum parquii,
Viburnum tinus, Lonicera purpusii, various Hellebores, Fuchsia
excorticata in bud, Jasminum nudiflorum, and with buds just about ready
to break, the fishtail Camellia Kingyoba-shiro-wabisuke.
And as a bonus (?!) 3 large badger scrapes towards the bottom of the garden!

I just went out to look. My garden is very small, but there's usually
something. All I can find is the first Schizostylis flower showing
colour. Or maybe it's the last. I had no flowers in the autumn.
Lots of buds on one camellia, but the other one is DEAD; no buds, no
leaves! My friend in Weymouth says she has bumble bees on the flowers
on her lonicera fragrantissima. Mine has no flowers at all.

Pam in Bristol