I’m reminded of Victor Meldrew’s refrain from One Foot In The Grave: “I don’t believe it. I just don’t believe it.”
The incessant rain stopped two weeks ago and since then it has been dry almost every day. For the first time since mid-October the garden is not saturated, so I took advantage of the good conditions to get to the garden. I spent most of New Years Eve pottering about. I can’t say that I really got much done, but it was good.
Inside, we got a lot done. The decorations came down before the New Year, a quiet ritual that signalled a return to normal routines. Join with me as I share the first Six of 2026…
Primrose
I continue to enjoy my morning coffee outside and this pretty primrose caught my eye. I’ve got several in pots but they really prefer their roots dry. High on a rockery suits them best, but this one is an exception. It is doing well.
Sedum
About three or four years ago, Geraldine gave me two sedum plants and they’ve matured well since then. I’ve had them on the raised beds near the glasshouse. Apart from lovely flower heads in summer, they look good even when the flower is finished.
Already I can see the beginnings of next summer’s flowers and therefore very soon, I’ll cut the old stems to ground level. Apparently, it’s best to leave the old flower in place. Last year I waited until March, but I may not have the patience to wait that long.
It is a remarkable plant, loved by bees and butterflies. Easy to care for with a very long seasonal interest. Writing about it now, it seems to make sense to get another one. A different variety perhaps? I’m also going to move this one closer to the house and in doing so I’ll divide it to make two decent clumps.
Annual Lobelia
No hard frost yet so this is still going. To have it still in flower in January is an unexpected bonus. Perhaps not strong, but definitely alive. Lobelia ‘Crystal Palace’ has earned its keep. There was a time when I’d be thinking of starting the 2026 lobelias from seed, but not any longer. I’ll buy a dozen or two in June.
Once planted, it quietly gets on with the job. And somehow, despite everything, it usually ends up being one of the best things on display. It’s on the summer of 2026 list already.
Hyacinth
In addition to recent daffodils added to the covered pergola area, I also got myself this hyacinth. At the time the shoots were merely peeping from the bulb. Now it’s their time. It’s a nice way to say Happy New Year.
Double Delight
Two for the price of one in this photo. I think it’s Eleagnus in the foreground and Pieris japonica ‘Little Frosty’ behind.
I do leave the labels attached to plants but after a few years they disintegrate. Likely there’s a better way. The Pieris label is there but not the other one. As with my mystery plant last week (Pseudowintera), any confirmation or otherwise will be much appreciated.
Water
Continuing my winter care for garden birds, here’s the bathing area. They love it, in particular the starlings and blackbirds. The basic necessities: food and water. We have not yet had a hard frost but when it does arrive I’ll make sure they have good access to water for drinking and washing.
Thanks to Jim over at Garden Ruminations and Happy New Year to all.
P.
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This primrose is stunning! Wow.
Speaking of bird baths, here it’s as hard as a rock because the frost persists…they will wait.
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Our first hard frost last night, Fred. I jinxed myself. Next few nights the same.
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I love it when you seen the new buds on the sedum, confirmation that it will be jumping into life before long. Well done for looking after the birds, they need us at this time of year. Beautiful primrose. Happy New Year to you and yours.
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Happy New Year, Gill. I can never remember the fancy new name for Sedum so I’m sticking with just Sedum. Great plant all through the year.
We get such joy seeing the birds. One of life’s simple pleasures.
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I’m with you on the sedum name!
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The emerging leaf buds of a sedum is a most pleasing sight. I’ve yet to check mine.
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Perfectly formed miniatures.
This one is planted much too close to an osteospermum and it veered off at 45 degrees! So, I’ll be moving it. Plant and gardener will be the better for it.
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I wondered if you would have a frost by now. We have had a three I think! We will all be off to check on emerging buds on the sedums! How things continue on without us even noticing. Happy New Year
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Lord save us…. My good wife mentions that what little hair I’ve left grows too fast while we’re not looking!
First hard frost here Friday and Saturday. Being close to the sea, we get away lightly.
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Hyacinths and Daffs already – how wonderful!
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It’s slightly false, Chris. These ones really are forced for indoor display but I’m not complaining.
Bulbs in the ground are just popping up and will flower in three weeks I’m guessing.
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Happy New Year and here’s to your enjoying many happy hours in the garden. Nice primrose!
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Let’s hope we can all enjoy the best garden year ever… the best since Garden of Eden was double-dug.
I’ll find my (very) old blogspot and I’ll see you enjoying your garden there. I read that you are in moratorium-mode. That may well diminish enjoyment? 😂
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Moratorium for buying bulbs…but it is amazing how looking at what one has now and creating newly planted areas with ones’ own divisions is so satisfying. A form of giving thanks and appreciating what one has and using that…for instance I have a stash of seeds and really ought to use those before going out to buy more plants. I do however have a want/need/desire list of plants and if and when I see good specimens I am hardly likely to pass them by!
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Hence Stasher? 🤔 I understand.
My WND list would include more Sedum and Hellebores. Also begonia corms but really I only get two or three years from these.
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Oh, Daffodils and Hyacinths! And that Primrose! Thank you so much for sharing. We are in deep winter here and I truly appreciate seeing your colorful blooms. The Eleagnus/Pieris partnering is lovely–the heights, forms, patterns, and colors are so complementary. Your Sedums are wonderful, too. Happy New Year!
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I have a failing Abelia near the Pieris and I’m thinking of transplanting the Sedum there.
A simple dash of colour works wonders. At this time of the year we need every little bit. The hope of a brighter tomorrow.
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Elaeagnus pungens ‘Maculata’ or ‘Gold Splash’ or ‘Eleador’ or ‘Fredericii’ or ‘Limelight’, unless it’s something else. I planted some dark blue Lobelia last year and hoped it would stick around. It hasn’t.
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😂😂 It’s great to have so many choices!
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Beautiful primrose!
I have a very similar Sedum, gifted from the local park. It’s so lovely when the new growth comes through! It’s interesting that you’ve left the stems until March – I will probably do the same, February or March.
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The long stems can look great after a heavy frost (as this weekend). Someone here mentioned they help shelter the tender new growth below. In any case, I think they do look nice even in winter.
Gifted to you by local park? Excellent idea. Do you have an inside connection?
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That’s good to know!
Yes, I have been volunteering there once a week for about four years. Occasionally I get to take home plants or seeds as a thank you!
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