Enjoying it while it lasts...

Weather-wise it's hard to believe that it's January 27th. At 6:00 A.M. this morning the  temperature was 58 degrees F. We then had some rain, and at 8:30 A.M. there was a thunderclap to raise the dead., soon followed by another one. It's turning out to be one of those days when we're at the edge of a cloud mass so that when the clouds obscure the sun it cools off, and when the clouds move and the sun comes through the temperature jumps. When the wind stops and the sun is shining, the sun is warm on the skin.

The first winter aconite is up: that's a record here in this garden. The winter aconites here typically begin to bloom about two weeks after reports come of blooming aconites in other local gardens. Tommies have started to bloom, too. Many hellebores are in full bloom - I picked the small bouquet shown above this afternoon.

The unnerving thing is that winter can hardly be said to have started here; so far there has been only one day when the temperature did not get above the freezing point. Occasional drops into the single digit range are not unknown for February, so there might be trouble ahead.

Winter aconites

These little charmers have had a loyal following among gardeners for centuries. There is something very appealing about their bright greenish-yellow color, a color which seems to harmonize especially well with the warm browns of the leaf litter.
I don't understand why, but the winter aconites here are always late. There is another garden within walking distance of the house where they grow in profusion - and those plants always beat mine into bloom.
Winter aconites seem to have no serious pests or diseases. Rodents don't bother them, and once established they get better every year.
The best way to get started with them is to look for a source of fresh seed. The seed ripens here in late April, either the third or fourth week of the month. Be ready: it's gone in a flash.