Chinese witch hazel

Hamamelis mollis ‘Wisley Supreme’, planted near the front door, is brilliant and wonderfully fragrant on dreary winter days.

crocus

If the chipmunks haven’t found them, Crocus sieberi ‘Spring Beauty’ glows on sunny days in front of the house.

horse tongue lily

Ruscus hypoglossum flowers are minute—barely a half centimeter across—and beautiful.

winter crocus

Crocus laevigatus ‘Fontenayi’ started blooming in December, and flowers through this month as well.

Elwes's snowdrop

Most Galanthus elwesii in the garden begin in December, but this original group planted above the pool usually starts in January. It is a favorite of honeybees.

camellia

Elizabeth’s original Camellia japonica ‘Magnoliaeflora’ delights with its porcelain pale pink blooms.

Handel's camellia

Speaking of camellias, Camellia handelii ‘Snow Bells’—a newer addition to the garden—becomes a demure showstopper with its heavily laden branches dripping with delicately fragrant blooms.

mouse tail plant

Don’t forget to look down! I always like to point out Arisarum proboscideum to younger visitors. (And older visitors, too…)

Christmas rose

While Helleborus niger ‘HGC’ usually begins blooming at Christmas, and it continues into January, provided the weather isn’t too warm.

paper whites

There are two patches of Narcissus papyraceus in the garden; both are original to Elizabeth Lawrence. They begin to bloom in December and flower into the New Year.

hybrid Lenten rose

This gorgeous Helleborus ‘Peppermint Ice’ is a fancy stunner.

hybrid Lenten rose

Planted in front of ‘Peppermint Ice’ is this beauty, Helleborus ‘Our Best Picotee’ from Pine Knot Farms.

camellia

Camellia x ‘Lindie Wilson’ started blooming weeks ago, and will continue to bloom through January and into February, too!

winter aconite

I always look for this little bulb too early. By mid-December, I’m on the hunt. I must remember that Eranthis hyemalis begins to bloom in mid-late January.