2003 Well, I can get lost in my own little world out in the garden. Still, I'm busy getting things into the greenhouse for winter protection. I've been finding bulbs that were stored away. It's like gardener's Christmas. Some have been potted for gifts. Some daffodils (white with orange cup) were put in a planter and over-planted with white violas (yellow center). It is so pretty now and will be even nicer when the daffs bloom. One little viola was planted in a small souvenir-of-trip pot that is perfect for the kitchen window sill. I found some minor bulbs that were sprouting already. Label? You ask. I think they are sweet smelling Freesia. Anyway they are now planted and in place in the greenhouse. Interestingly, I put some Caladium leaves that snapped off when I was digging them for storage earlier this fall in some water just for display. I noticed today they still looked pretty good. And, when I checked, sure enough, roots. Who knew? So after spraying here and there for bugs with Safer insecticidal soap, I decided I better get out of there for a while. And, guess what? Lunchtime already!

Don't forget to check local garden centers especially Lowes for fall bulb sales this month. Many new things can be added to the garden for half price. I'm smiling!

Camellia sasanqua

At Fort Valley, Georgia, about an hour south of Atlanta, seemingly out in the middle of nowhere is Massee Lane Gardens, the American Camelia Society headquarters. Arriving about an hour early, we strolled the red brick pathways. The pines overhead provide a natural pine straw carpet for the beautiful mature (small tree size) pink, white, red Camellia sasanquas of every form. Camellias bloom all winter. First C. sasanquas followed by C japonicas. In the quiet of the morning garden, the wind in the trees sounding of rushing water, we savored each glorious moment and photographed the lovely blooms . By the time the garden opened, we had already seen the camellias. So, we paid for our tour and continued on to see the Boehm porcelain collection inside ending with the gift shop.