Most people will find the following picture of a red Camellia flower in the process of opening somewhat blurred and unassuming. Indeed the awkward angle, wet weather and dull sky doesn’t make for a very good picture. A bit of focus in the correct place would have helped too.
When I look at the picture, I see the same thing, but I also feel a rising sense of panic.
It’s early February, the Camellia is testing the weather and wondering whether it’s safe to start flowering. Elsewhere in the garden the green tips of iris shoots are emerging, flower buds on the Amelanchier, Judas tree and Magnolia are starting to fatten, clematis and roses are breaking and the spring bulbs are well above ground, with the flowers not far behind.
After what seems like a rather short winter, the garden is stirring; it feels as though it is teetering on the edge of the new season. It’s like the sharp in-take of breath before that messy and really loud, wet sneeze.
The panic is from knowing how the garden jobs will suddenly ramp up and thinking of all the work that needs to be done. Each new season is like a rollercoaster and there’s no slowing down, stopping for a break or getting off. I’m in for the ride and with the garden under heavy development, each year’s show gets bigger and better.
I know in my last post I said I would try to stop for a pause more often, to appreciate our efforts in the garden, but when the list is long, the plants are crying out for attention and there are borders that need creating, it will be hard not to say, “I’ll just finish that job, then have a sit down”.
The Camellia will kick start the new season, let’s hope we don’t have any late frosts or blasting rain to spoil the first showing.
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