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Extended Season ~

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Category: Zuzu's Bloomin' Blog | Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 12:02 am

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December 1st - and it already looks and feels like winter in many places.

While I'm excited for the folks who enjoy the crisp, snowy days,
I must confess that I feel very fortunate to be enjoying
some lovely flowers which bloom in my garden in late fall, instead.

The sasanqua Camellias are only now beginning to bloom in earnest.


Their flowers seem much too delicate to tolerate
the nightly low temperatures and the occasional morning frosts.

But, each day more and more of them unfold their graceful petals,
exhibiting a wide array of forms and colors.
The blooms of this double lavender variety,
remind me of Peony flowers,


here's a dark pink double,


a frilly white double,


and a neat, bright pink


This big Camellia tree near the street in my front yardhas very simple, single pink and white flowers, but it is one of my favorites, all the same,


and the bees clearly approve, too,
visiting it's fragrant flowers regularly.


Beneath it grow my wonderful Encore Azaleas,
which bloom in the spring,
but, happily, they also bloom now, in the late autumn.




Meanwhile, many of my tropical plants
have joined my orchids,
sheltering in the glasshouse, waiting for spring to return.


This is also where most of the cuttings,
which I'm growing for next spring's garden,
are rooting, some in water, some in pots, and some in trays.

The floor is as crowded as the shelves.


The orchids seem happy enough to share their space,
blooming away quite merrily,


perhaps they are dreaming of life in a tropical paradise . . .

. . . I know that I am! Ask the cabana boy
to bring me another Margarita when you see him, will you?


Last edited: Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:04 am

This blog entry has been viewed 1227 times

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Anitra wrote on Sun Dec 02, 2007 3:48 am:

Lovely, LOVELY flowers, Zuzu! I was just told that I am really in Zone 7B, not Zone 8, and looking at your photos, I believe it! We've had mostly rain and little freezing weather, but it did freeze last night, and we had light snow today.

As of this morning: The calendula is still blooming; there are some petunia blossoms still; the last of the chrysanthemum buds is opening; some of the dahlias are still budding; the winter violas are cheerful little dolls. But nothing like your display. :)

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glendann wrote on Sun Dec 02, 2007 4:11 am:

I always love seeing all your beautiful blooms.I love your Camellias but I was in awe at your orcids in your glass house.Thanks for all the colors.

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Droopy wrote on Sun Dec 02, 2007 9:38 am:

So beautiful! All of them. The Camelias are a dream, and those orchids makes med drool. We've got potted azaleas for Christmas flowers. I like the pink-and-white variety.

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Netty wrote on Sun Dec 02, 2007 1:27 pm:

Gorgeous blooms as always Zuzu. I just LOVE the blooms in that second photo. And I must admit, I'm quite envious of your glass house and all it's contents!

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kuntrygal wrote on Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:51 am:

Beautiful blooms. Love your greenhouse. Wish I had one to fill and putz around in!

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Frank wrote on Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:35 pm:

The colours! Seems like your plants reflect your personality Zuzu... full of life. Thanks for posting.

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Kratz7 wrote on Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:14 am:

Absolutely gorgeous! I am reminded of all the colors I am missing in my flowerbeds. With Winter here everything looks a little blah. But, hey it makes us appreciate Spring that much more. lol I love seeing all the color.

Where are you?, that you have flowers that pretty in January........
Kratz7

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zuzu's petals wrote on Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:27 pm:

Many thanks, everyone - I really appreciate your nice comments.
I haven't been visiting the blogs lately (including mine)
because I've been so miserable with a rotten cold - and spending very little time online.
I'm getting over it now . . .
and looking forward to catching up. :-)

- Kratz7 -
I am in the far southeastern corner of N. Carolina,
on a barrier island between the Intercoastal Waterway
and the Atlantic.
Those bodies of water help to keep our temperatures just a teeny bit warmer in fall and winter
than the communities inland of here.
On the other hand, it also keeps us a wee bit cooler in spring and summer.

All the same, we just came through several nights of
temperatures that dipped into the low 20s,
so the blossoms all look "cooked" as a result. :-(
But, it's back into the 70s again now, and fresh flowers will open to replace the spent ones,
OOOH!! :-D AND, I see Daffodils beginning to poke up their noses!!!

Hurry Spring!

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gardengater wrote on Sun Jun 01, 2008 8:53 pm:

Hi ZUZU;

I also garden in coastal NC. Your Camellia is glorious. I have one that has not bloomed in 3 years, though healthy and growing.
I have a small homemade greenhouse which seems to be too hot for plants. Any suggestion?
Have any roses?

Gardengater
I

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glendann wrote on Sat Oct 18, 2008 10:34 pm:

Zuzu we are missing you and all your wonderful blooms please come visit us.Yours Friends worry about you and miss all your great knowledge.Its almost Halloween and you always have a wondeful time at decorations and all kinds of fun.

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