Lavender, Snapdragon, English Daisy and Shasta Daisy Seedlings

I have had some decent results starting my seedlings early and keeping them in a cold frame. I did see frost damage on some of the smaller Foxglove seedlings, so I probably moved those out too soon. I am starting seeds using other methods to ensure an optimal chance of success. I have been starting with a weeded bed and simply sprinkling poppy and snapdragon seeds. My first round of seeds was late November in Zone 8b. I watered them in, and hopefully they will sprout in time for spring. I am also trying the milk jug method and started one for the Foxgloves after I noticed the damage on my smallest seedlings. I threw some Foxglove seeds out into the beds, figuring, why not? I can sow seeds of cold-hardy plants every month until February. With many seeds sown, surely some will make it in time for Spring!

Flowers in December – Swiss Giant Pansies Morning Glories and a Sunflower

It has been unseasonably warm here, meaning I have been enjoying some unexpected blooms in my garden! Today I photographed a sunflower, Swiss Giant Pansies, and hige morning glories. I discovered this little yellow sunflower in the greenhouse; its bright petals had a miniature, demure presence. I love little surprises like this, as they remind me to appreciate every day; each bloom feels like a moment in time, a little treasure to find in the everyday routine, a reminder that serenity often lies in the simplest of things. It’s moments like these that inspire me to spend more time in my garden just looking around and watching for signs of life and change. They say the early bird gets the worm, but the early gardener gets the best pictures of the day!