Lady Claire is late for 2nd year in a row.

My camellia, 'Lady Claire' , a japonica usually begins blooming in early Fall. With the exception of one bloom around New Year's day, it waited until February this year. I wonder if the recent drought had anything to do with it. For we have had two summers of drought.

Spring is in the air. Not only can you smell the fragrance of the winter honeysuckle,also known as 'Kiss Me At The Gate" you can also admire the blossoms of the winter jasmine, the berries of possumhaw, a blackbelt native, and the other hollies plus nandinas. In our woodland garden, the smell of the old-timey jonquils and the saucer magnolia is heavenly, and as an added bonus a feast for the eyes.