Second day in the garden--daffodils!

Here it is the last week in January and I'm lucky enough to be living in a region where daffodils are poking through the ground. Nowhere else have I lived where I was this lucky.

Yes, some daffys are just poking, while others are three inches tall. I'm pleasantly surprised to see the hydrangeas with leaf buds ready to pop. This will be the first season for Lemon Daddy. I can't wait for its chartreuse leaves to shine like lamplight under the pine tree.

Camellias are still slow, although a few flowers are smiling at me through the family room window. The Bradford Pear, completely denuded of fruit by hungry birds, has leaf buds looking soft and hopeful.

I expect strong color--crayon red--from the azaleas under the pine after the good fertilizer drink I gave them last Sunday.

Some unpleasant sights: two yucca plants that refuse to leave my yard peacefully. We dug them out in '08 but they continue to send their sturdy spikes skyward. Can anyone share a foolproof method for extinquishing them?

We also decided the pampas grass has to go. The plants are immense and not flowering well. Just too big, I think. I envision a lovely flowering tree--cherry or crab apple--in place of those outside the kitchen window. Can anyone share a foolproof method of extinguishing pampas grass? I love the flowers but these have outlived their charm.
Georgia

First day in the garden

After a heavy night rain, the sun came out shining. With temps in the high '60s, how could I not go out into my garden?

Basically, it was clean-up time but I did revel at the sight of buds on hydrangeas and azaleas. The camellias, I'm afraid, have been stunted by below freezing night temperatures and daytime lows in the 30s. Just not good blooming weather. Only a few flowers are open and the buds, though numerous, are brown. We'll see what happens.

I'm expecting action soon from the Lenten Rose and am on the lookout for daffodil shoots. Remembered to fertilize the azaleas around the pine tree.

Also getting excited about the worm box I'll have this year. I've heard they're very successful and easy to establish. Fruit and veggie scraps go it and natural compost comes out. Go worms!

Georgia

Finally, camellias

I have six large camellias in my yard. While other varieties have been blooming since December, mine are just starting. Two are outside the family room windows, so when they're loaded with red flowers the sight is stunning.

However, these two are not the biggest bloomers. That title goes to the trees/bushes on the west side of the house which in preview years have been covered solid with flowers. I don't know the variety. They were all here when I moved in.

As soon as they are lush with flowers, I'll post a picture. It's wonderful to finally live in an area where I can enjoy outdoor flowers year-round.

Georgia