Today was the third bright, sunny, and cold one in a row. Given that overnight temperatures are in the low minuses, I wandered around the garden to photograph some of the albeit somewhat poorly looking surviving flora.
Two that seem to bloom continuously are the yellow bidens
and the white solanums from last year.
A few primulas,
penstemons,
pelargoniums,
and pansies linger.
The yellow antirrhinums refuse to die.
Mrs Popple
and Delta’s Sarah are two of the still flowering fuchsias.
Fatsia,
vibernum bodnantense Dawn,
and clematis Cirrhosa Freckles we may expect to enjoy at this time of year;
but not the hebes.
Carpets,
Paul’s Scarlet,
Just Joey,
Winchester Cathedral,
and Festive Jewel carry the baton for team roses.
Hoards of Hunnish sparrows occupy the hawthorn, swooping on
sad little Muggle’s
feeder for which he has to wait his moment,
while more of Attila’s marauders concentrate on the front garden robin’s seeds.
We didn’t see Nugget today.
This evening we dined on Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare with which Jackie drank Hoegaarden and I drank Chateau Pinenc Minervois 2017.
Beautiful post, Derrick, but I don’t like that Nugget was absent. Let’s hope he’s back tomorrow.
We hope so, GP. Thanks very much.
Oh dear! Poor Muggles…. This is another kind of ‘Where’s Nugget?’
I expect he was keeping warm somewhere. 🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
Such a beautiful, soft pink rose.
x
Thanks very much, Melanie X
Wow, your garden is still in good form in spite of the temperatures. Hope Nugget reappears soon.
Thanks very much, Peggy.
I guess Nugget didn’t want to steal the spotlight from the gorgeous flowers. I hope you don’t have stray cats around!
Thanks very much, Jill. Cats no longer seem to come in.
Roses in December – how splendid! Poor Muggle does look like a fighter for his rights; he just sits there, sulking…
Thanks very much, Dolly. He does look rather forlorn
Perhaps Muggle misses Nugget; a love-hate relationship?
Could be. Nugget back in operation today. 🙂
Glad to hear that, looking forward to photos.
Beautiful. It feels like spring.
Thanks very much, mynewperspective
I am amazed at how your weather seems colder than ours, but your beautiful flowers continue. Wonderful!
It is. Thanks very much, Jodie.
Always good to see flowers in December. Must go on a hunt tomorrow to see if I can find just one here.
On 25th December 1976 I picked a big bunch of them in Islington. Thanks very much, Gary.
What a difference 300 miles or so makes! Your garden is still a pleasure to visit through your photographs. Ours is pretty well flower free.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal. The blog world does reveal all.
Whenever you mention Hordle’s Chinese takeaway, my mouth waters. ? Beautiful roses battling their way through the bad weather. I wonder where. Nugget disappeared to. ?
Many thanks, Sylvia. We’ll keep an eye out for him.
I noticed some flowers on the way to work today and it gave me quite a lift. So did your blog and your lovely garden.
I’m pleased, Lisa. Thank you very much.
I amazed at the roses hanging on. Your garden is somewhat protected though, and the plants nested around each other. That must help. It s good to see beauty linger on in your gardens!
I hope Nugget is alright.
Thanks very much, Lavinia.
So many flowers still in bloom; I like the elegant pelargoniums. I hope Nugget returns soon.
Thank you very much, Clare
The blooms still look lovely Derrick. Perhaps Nugget is exploring another garden?
Many thanks, Arlene. Not much gardening going on in ours at the moment.
I don’t have much flowers too.
I am worried for Nugget. Does Mr Muggle have a clue? Those flowers may be past their prime, but they remain as cheerful as ever.
Thank you very much, Uma. We’ll report on the next sighting.
A good lesson of resilience from your garden!
Thanks very much, Sylvie
?
hello Derrick
It is very likely that I will make the same answer as others
But global warming is in question, this year is the hottest we have known for a long time
This explains that
I’m sure, Yoshimi. Thanks very much.
this is fantastic series of your great floral images.
My fav is the fifth one down – the red against the fence – Randall that clarity – really like that one and I am going to peek again
Very many thanks, Yvette
The frosts have finished off almost everything here further north but at least they encourage the hellebores.
Thanks a lot, Andrew.
I marvel at your blooms. I guess they can’t bear to say goodbye to the Head Gardener who nurtures them so tenderly.
🙂 Nicely put, Liz. Thanks very much.
Very soon, I will be posting pictures of my yard, and let’s just say it doesn’t look anything like yours. Flowers in December! Holy cats!
🙂 Many thanks, Laurie
That was some summer as well.
It was indeed.
Don’t you just love all those little persistent stragglers, who keep going in the face of looming adversity. Should serve as inspiration to us all… Beautiful bird photos too!
Good thoughts, Anna. Thanks very much.
Some pretty colourful survivors, considering that temperature!
Thanks a lot, Leslie.
How lovely that so much in the garden is still going strong.
I’m worried about Nugget, hope he’s okay.
Thanks very much, Sue. You will know by now that Nugget is OK.
Such a lovely post
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome
Your beautiful flower photos have brought me joy today, Derrick! And I love learning the flowers names! Thank you!
I hope Nugget is fine. I do worry about him, too.
(((HUGS)))
PS…My internet was out for over 24 hours, but watch out! I’m back on-line now! 🙂
That was very frustrating. Glad you are back. And thanks very much, Carolyn. Nugget is fine. X
Oh, good! Thanks for letting me know about Nugget!
Flowers and birds make life beautiful.
Derrick, I follow Todd Tyrtle. He is from Canada. At present he is cycling in India. You may like his blog.
https://gooutsidetoday.com/2019/12/03/a-jam-packed-day-in-delhi/
Thanks very much, Lakshmi. I’m off to have a look.
Wonderful garden photo’s Derrick. The Winchester Cathedral rose is so beautiful. I’m rather ‘green’ with envy (pun intended) that you enjoy so many pretty flowers at this time of year. xK
Many thanks, Kelly. On the wane now
I love the Festive Jewel and the Muggel… many beautiful flowers surviving and a variety of beautiful birds. Great photos, Derrick. Tell me about Chateau Pinenc Minervois 2017. Is it red or white? Dry or fruity or sweet? I’ve never heard of it before.
A fruity red. I have never seen it before. I enjoyed it. Thanks very much, Jan
Isn’t that awesome.
Many thanks, Laleh.
My pleasure.
Wow – amazing to see the hebe flowering! I hope Nugget is okay.
Many thanks, Helen. Nugget is fine.
That’s good to hear!
Aptly titled. Each summer flower that continues to blossom is a joy.
Indeed. Many thanks, Crystal.