Photo: Chronica Domus
There are many things that I have found myself being grateful for over the past few months. Rain, would you believe, is one of them. I don't recall there was ever a time when I lived in England that I was consciously grateful for rain. It is a feature of British life. In fact, complaining about it is a national pastime. The British enjoy nothing better than to remark upon the state of rain, followed swiftly with an offer of heating up the kettle. Yes, rainfall and a cuppa make for a perfect pairing.
Living in California for the past quarter century has given me a new perspective on rain. It arrives less often here, but when it does, it is ferocious. At least, that is, as compared to the weaker drizzly showers I recall from life in Britain.
We have had almost endless rainstorms here in the San Francisco Bay Area these past two months. This may not sound very exciting to most, but for Californians it is a huge relief from the prolonged drought we've endured. The downpours are filling our rivers and reservoirs and turning our straw-colored hills green once again. The damp soil has been beneficial to gardeners too, encouraging spring bulbs to begin their annual show despite the cloudy forecast. Who needs sun when rain is aplenty?
The daffodil is my favorite flower and I keenly anticipate its annual appearance in the garden (these were photographed earlier today)
Photo: Chronica Domus
The Avalanche narcissi, about which I wrote last year, have been in bloom since late December and will likely continue for at least another month.
I planted these Avalanche narcissi along the front garden path many years ago and they become more vigorous with each passing year (photograph taken today)
Photo: Chronica Domus
What really had me leaping for joy this past weekend was the pleasant sight of other spring bulbs unfurling their blooms. Vivid blue grape hyacinths were slowly awakening and beginning to poke their sword-like heads above ground, as were the first of the orange-centered Cragford narcissi.
In celebration of this annual horticultural milestone, I did what any gardener would do. I plucked my precious few blooms from their beds and brought them indoors where they now sit, pride of place, upon the kitchen's hanging wall shelf. How festive these harbingers of spring appear when lined up in their diminutive earthenware ink and polish pots.
Photo: Chronica Domus
Catching a glimpse of these pretty flowers as I make my way about the kitchen, scurrying from sink to stove, truly brightens my day. They are a reminder of how grateful I am for the pounding rain that beats upon the windows as I type this post.
Tell me, what flowers, if any, are emerging in your garden or neighborhood right now or is the vision of spring blooms months away?
It got up to 72 degrees and sunny today but they are calling for snow this weekend! So, no, I am not anticipating seeing any blooms for a while yet, here in Virginia. I will just have to enjoy looking at your lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteHello slf,
DeleteI don't think we've had temperatures into the 70's around here for quite some time. Lots of wind and rain, and even fog too today. More rain to come, at least until this weekend.
Hello CD, Congratulations on finally getting some rain, and being further rewarded with the first spring flowers. Your arrangement in the old pottery bottles is outstanding.
ReplyDeleteIn Taiwan there are always a few flowers, but the big show will begin soon. There is a large rose garden that usually peaks in February that I am going to try to make it to this year while at its best. In Cleveland, February is still pure winter; the first harbingers of spring, like skunk cabbages, come out in March at the earliest. I always counted the real coming of spring as maple sugar time, although technically a few crocuses, daffodils and coltsfoot are already out by then.
--Jim
Hello Jim,
DeleteYou must share photographs of the rose garden you write of on your blog as I'd be interested in seeing it through your lens.
I've not thought about crocuses in years. Perhaps I'll plant some next year.
My Dear CD,
ReplyDeleteThis time of year GSL follows the dictates of The Nostradamus of Rodents, Punxsutawny Phil, who informed us early Feb 2 to keep the woolies close at hand for another 6 weeks.
There are several fine ladies who often receive a bouquet delivered from a grateful man who remembers how well they treated him way back when. The florists already know the drill: something fresh, lovely, colorful, and will last at least a week...by the recipients delighted call, I can tell an inspired arrangement was delivered.
Oh, dear, sounds as though that little rodent has been up to his old tricks again!
DeleteI'm sure your thoughtful gift of flowers to your fortunate lady friends is very much appreciated. There is something quite special about taking delivery of a fresh bouquet. So much nicer than opening the door to a mail man that presents one with a stack of junk mail and bills.
I planted some bulbs and the hyacinths inside have bloomed but i am hoping the ones outside are daffodils - they were a bulb special i got in autumn. I like daffodils too and there are rows in the park and when they are in full bloom i will take a pic for you. Of course, england is green precisely because of all the rain. I am glad the reservoirs are filling up over there - much needed so much welcomed although it must be odd for Californians?
ReplyDeleteHello Naomi,
DeleteWhen I first moved to California, I did not see rain for at least eleven months which had me a bit worried. I was told that was quite normal for northern California. However, in the past few years it has become quite frightening when one is reading stories of ancient groves of redwood trees dying. You know things are serious. It is still raining here two days after publishing this post, and I'm glad for it!
I look forward to an update on your mystery bulbs. Fingers crossed you get a good show.
CD,
ReplyDeleteSadly nothing is in bloom right now. Southern California has had it's share of rain but nothing other than the primrose I planted are in bloom.
Your bulbs have produced beautiful flowers
Karen
Hello Karen,
DeleteI'm thrilled to learn that you too have benefitted from the recent rains as the drought has been so much more pronounced in the south. Hooray for rain!
Hi CD, Are you able to get regular daffodils to bloom in your neck of the woods without freezing temperatures? Narcissus Avalanche, I believe, will bloom in relatively warm climates.
ReplyDeleteOur street is lined with Jacaranda trees; they have another month or so before blooming.
Hello Diogenes,
DeleteThank you for your question. Yes, I'm able to grow regular daffodils, along with several other varieties of bulbs (muscari, hyacinths etc.) without freezing. I try and purchase as many as I can locally as those bulbs are pre-cooled. I have on occasion placed orders with on-line retailers or through catalogs (especially if I'm looking for heritage varieties), and those I do have to chill in the refrigerator for several weeks before planting.
I envy you the view you must be enjoying of the Jacaranda trees in bloom. Must be quite a sight to behold. Alas, we do not have any around these parts.
Dear CD,
ReplyDeleteYour photos cheered me considerably as we in Boston are being pummeled by a true Nor'easter of serious proportions. I doubt we will see anything blooming here for another two months.
Best,
KL Gaylin
Hello KL Gaylin,
DeleteI'm only now finding out about your extreme weather and wish you all the best in getting through it unscathed. We are still in the midst of a week-long rainstorm. My James Smith umbrella is getting a good workout this season, as are my wellies. However, I may soon require an ark to escape the house. So much water everywhere!