December 2013 in the Northern Hemisphere

[Leena]

Wonderful how nature can decorate with just a little bit of snow.  Waiting for it to happen here since it's been snowing fro a couple of hours .

We got more snow this morning, but now it is so warm that it is melting again. 
I like this warm December, makes me think that spring is not so far away.

[fenius]

Here it is practically still autumn.. This is my blueberry and an oxydendrum arboreum seedling with erica still hanging on with their brilliant pinks and reds!

[Paddy Tobin]

Iris unguicularis have started flowering. This is I. u. 'Walter Butt'

[meanie]

Not much happening outdoors of merit, but I'm posting these because it is the middle of December!

I did some cuttings of Salvia "Wendys Wish" in the spring. The smaller one blooming in quite an exposed spot.................


............and the larger one in a more protected spot.....................


This triphylla Fuchsia (Korrale) has been placed by the back wall of the house but is still putting the odd flower out!


Eccromocarpus scaber is very exposed, yet can still manage the odd flower or two....................


Acanthus mollis refuses to quit for the year.....................


Finally, in the greenhouse this wee Fuchsia microphylla cutting is getting in on the act...........................

[johnralphcarpenter]

Helleborus 'Walberton's Rosemary' today; an innovative cross between Helleborus niger and Helleborus x hybridus.

[shelagh]

In the January edition of The Rock Garden 2011 Brian and I wrote an article about dwarf shrubs.  One of those we recommended was Berberis Kobold. We had grown 3 from seed and one was placed in the rock garden.  Here it is today on a very dull and dreary afternoon looking magnificent  in full berry.  It is now nearly 2ft tall and 2ft 6" across.

[Maggi Young]

Wow Shelagh, that looks great. The shape of the fruits do give a very seasonal  "festive decoration" look to it , don't they?

[Lvandelft]

Shelagh, it not only looks great, but tasty as well, mmm. And not only for birds...

[Anne Repnow]

How very pretty! I didn't know 'Kobold' but it now recommends itself with this profusion of berries.
Here is my most Christmassy shrub - Nandina domestica (the birds don't like the berries, so they stay on for quite a long time).

[johnralphcarpenter]

The Hellebores are starting to perform: Helleborus foetidus 'Wilgenbroek Selection', Helleborus foetidus 'Wester Flisk', Helleborus x glandorfii.

[krisderaeymaeker]

Iris unguicularis have started flowering. This is I. u. 'Walter Butt'

Very early Paddy. And one who is willing to flower ....You keep it in pot under glas ?

[Irm]

What are your snowdrops doing ? My Galanthus monostictus "November" looks very good today, Berlin ist more warm than cold in the moment ..

[Mike Ireland]

Ventured outside this morning & found Polygala chamaebuxus in full flower, a nice surprise.

[ranunculus]

As good as any we have encountered in the mountains, Mike.
 
Best wishes to all our friends in Lincolnshire.

[Mike Ireland]

Thanks Cliff, will pass your best wishes on.

Mike