First Flowers Of 2008

[Susie]

My Christmas Box (Sarcococca) has started flowering and it smells divine

[ron1863]

We had our Snowdrops flowering last week (central Scotland) and I noticed a small yellow flower, which I think is a Primrose flowering too.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

I've always fancied a trip to Hodsock. Is it worth the trip Paul?

Regards, Chris

If you like snowdrops in all their variety! But yes, I think so - they only open during the snowdrop season so there are very few other plants to see (some Iris, aconites and the like) but there's an extensive piece of woodland/parkland which makes a pleasant walk and there's a cafeteria which does very pleasant food. There used to be a very good but very busy pub in the neighbouring village although I've not been there for some time.

It depends really on how far you think it's worth travelling to see garden plants. Not too far from Sheffield or East midlands but how much further afield? On the other hand, as a once in a lifetime thing *if* you're into early bulbs .... maybe

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Susie

My stinking hellebores are in flower.

Our Helleborus orientalis came out last week and the H. niger is just opening. So the one is early for the "Lenten Rose" and the other late for the "Christmas Rose". However, given that in the last few years they've both been flowering from August, I think this is a small sign of things returning to normality. The snowdrops just pressing through but no sign of the daffs yet.

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by JeffH

.......PS. No Snowdrops or Aconites in flower here in Cambs yet - can't wait though as it's always really up-lifting to see them

What a difference a week (or less!) makes - been out in the garden for a couple of hours today and we've now got Aconites in flower

Also, yesterday I had a short walk in a bit of nearby woodland and found Snowdrops just coming into flower.

Jeff

[JeffH]

Originally Posted by JeffH

What a difference a week (or less!) makes - been out in the garden for a couple of hours today and we've now got Aconites in flower
Also, yesterday I had a short walk in a bit of nearby woodland and found Snowdrops just coming into flower. Jeff

Even better - been out in the garden again this afternoon and found a clump of Snowdrops just coming into flower. It's great to see real evidence that Spring is on the way

Jeff

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Susie

My Christmas Box (Sarcococca) has started flowering and it smells divine

I've never heard it called that! Yes, these winter-early Spring plants don't have hugely impressive flowers (but, hey, at this time of year anything is good!) but their scent adds a certain something to life!

[tufftie]

There are some sweet violets just coming into flower just off one of the woodland paths behind me

[elleme]

I've never known Christmas box/sarcococca to start flowering at Christmas, January Box seems more accurate. Mine has just started in flower too. I'd expect it at this time of year, nothing unusual about that. There's a huge stand of them in one part of the local park and it smells fantastic right now when you walk past.