The Color Red

For people who know a little bit about color theory, red and green are opposites on the color wheel. This means they complement each other, which means they each bring out the best in the other. Kind of like cake and ice cream. They can stand alone just fine but together, they're even better. 

Years ago I went through a "berries" phase. It was an offshoot of my "winter interest" phase. I looked for and purchased a bunch of different red-berried plants. Here they are in all their winter glory.  

But first: 

Despite a light frost, my Chenille Plant (Acalypha pendula) is still alive. 

Cotoneaster dammeri my quasi-bonsai. 

Heavenly Bamboo or Nandina domestica 

Acuba japonica 

Cotoneaster lacteus almost didn't survive last winter's cold but it bounced back beautifully.
I have it situated where I can see it from the dining room. 

I found this Skimmia japonica  'Alba' growing in a church yard. I snipped off several pieces and one rooted!

Skimmia japonica  'Alba' I think it has spider mites but oh well. 

Skimmia japonica already has buds for spring's flowers. 

Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' is a favorite of the robins. 

A closer look at the Aronia berries. 

And finally, NOID -- This plant is growing (and glowing) near my daughter's house. 

 Wishing you all a glowing Christmas. 

Weekends Only

IT'S OFFICIALLY WEEKENDS ONLY in the garden and I hate it. It's barely light when I leave in the morning and dark when I get home. People don't understand why I don't want to do anything on the weekends. They don't realize that I have to appease my withdrawal symptoms, sate my curiosity, get my hands dirty. Play, play, play in the garden. That's all I want to do on the weekends! 

The lure to the garden is also fueled by this temporary lag in rainfall. Yes, there is sunshine and birdsong and falling leaves and a few lone flowers just waiting for me to notice them. Why would I want to be anywhere else, I ask you. 

Nandina berries are ready for Christmas

The winter berries are plump and polished and wooing the birds and me with my camera. 

The Aronia is looking mighty nice too. The robins will get those berries soon.

I took these Aronia photos a few weeks ago. The leaves are completely gone now but of course I can't take a photo when it's dark.

Such a pretty plant

Cotoneaster lacteus is also full of berries

The birds don't care for these berries so they'll last until spring
When they drop, they make a royal mess all over the place. 

Choisya ternata is in full bloom. 

In summer I basically ignore this plant. Its time to shine is now!

Check out the fresh foliage on Acanthus mollis, unscathed by the cold weather.

Dwarf Nandina dons her winter finery. 

Abelia x grandiflora is still looking fab. Don't you love those rosy bracts?

Even a few lingering flowers

They didn't get the memo announcing winter. 

There you have it. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You know where I'll be.