Short and very sharp this week. I’ve been busy with Christmas festivities, but I did find another five plus one for today’s round of Six On Saturday. Most of this week’s selection is about evergreen garden structure, which becomes very important in winter. Without further ado, here we go …
1. Lamium maculatum
Commonly called spotted dead-nettle, and very much alive, despite the name.
2. Euonymus
Variegated Euonymus japonicus. At this time of the year it shines brightly. The garden is back to bare bones so anything evergreen that also has a bit of structure is very welcome.
3. Pittosporum
Similar to the euonymus above, the Pittosporum does its job well. I have two of these, planted last year and I’m pleased to see them doing well. I’d imagine they’ll look even better in another year or two, but given my small space Ill be sure to keep them trimmed tidily.
4. Mystery
I did know the name of this. I’d imagine I made a note of it when I got it last year or perhaps the year before. In any case, despite not knowing it’s name, I like it very much. I have a feeling that I got it after seeing someone here on SOS highlighting it.
5. Skimmia
The skimmia is doing very well considering it’s in a pot, albeit a large one. I did remember to feed it twice during the year and I put a saucer under it so that during the summer it retained some water.
6. Birdfeeder
We love attracting birds to the garden, and what better way to do that than by providing a little extra food during the cold weather?
I’ve also been feeding myself a bit extra recently, just to see me through until spring.
Soups and casseroles are my favourites. Peanuts, fat balls and mixed seeds attract a good variety of birds.
So, everyone’s being looked after.
For now, at least.
Thanks to Jim at Garden Ruminations and Happy Christmas to all.
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Nice! I love the Christmasy red/green color of the skimmia! I also love to watch the bird. Mine dine on seeds remaining in the garden. So fun to watch them, sometimes hanging upside down to get at the seeds.I should get a fat ball for the nuthatches and other small woodpeckers that are around.
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As good a reason as any not to tidy up too much until early spring.
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The colours of these red berries of skimmia are very attractive, and I understand why the birds love them. Speaking of birds, I see the bird feeder is empty. Here, they seem more interested in fat balls than seeds, or perhaps I’ll have to change brands, because they don’t seem very interested. Have a wonderful holiday season and see you in 2026.
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Cheers, a chara. I’ll be looking forward to your 2026 updates. Happy New Year.
Those little guys are ravenous. I refill the feeders once a week but they have it all eaten within three to four days. Festive gluttony!
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Happy New Year to you and yours Páraig!
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Pseudowintera colorata or mountain horopito. I’ve been looking out for a form called ‘Red Leopard’ for years.
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Cheers Jim. Of course, as soon as I see the plant name, I say yes that’s it. Now I remember!
Many thanks for keeping the show on the road during the year.
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Is the mystery plant Potamogeton cheesemanii, Red Pondweed? I admit I used my “Seek” app to try to ID it, but it looks like it might be that plant. The plants are all great examples of variegated foliage–very fun. And your last entry reminds me I need to restock the bird feeders. Thank you. Blessings to you and yours in the year ahead!
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Thank you Beth. Many good wishes to you also for the new year.
Check Jim’s plant ID, but full marks to you for willingness to help me out.
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I’m getting my first bird feeder this year, too! (A Christmas gift, but it will be delivered directly to my house and probably waiting for me when I get back.) It will be so lovely to sit at my desk and watch the birds.
Your Skimmia looks lovely and colourful!
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Has it arrived, Kathrin? I could sit for hours watching their antics.
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I’m not back in England yet, but I think it will have arrived by the time I get home this weekend :D May post some pictures once it’s installed.
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Lovely winter selection. Your mystery plant is Pseudowintera, a useful and often underrated shrub.
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Many thanks, Joan. Douze points. Happy New Year to you
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now, those red berries are gorgeous!
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They sure are! For the Christmas season .. 🎄
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