2nd January. I was trying to keep my spirits up this morning by assessing what is looking good in my garden. I have variegated golden and green shrubs which always look sunny even when its dull. Some red cornus stems though they need some light to bring out the colour.
Several plants are still holding their coloured autumn leaves. A container has two very lush clumps of diascia foliage. Cant believe it has survived the frosts.
Primroses are in flower in a few places and the winter heathers are beginning to colour up. Outside my front door is a variegated holly with lots of berries, surprised the birds haven't taken those.
But no blue sky - there was a glimpse earlier but it's gone now. I have two nice winter gardens near me at Mottisfont and Hilliers Arboretum which have influenced my choice of plants over the years. Used to be favourite visits to cheer me up this time of year but both seem too daunting to attempt now.
Tessa
And here she is. Meconopsis betonicifolia, the Himalayan Blue Poppy. Isn’t she a beauty? I’m told these are hard to grow but in all honesty I’m just lucky with the soil in my garden. It just happens to suit this little stunner. Now if I could just encourage a patch to develop...
xx
Hi everyone
Well I have finally transplanted my large onions into a raised bed, I've had to take them out of the greenhouse reluctantly but I need the room for my tomatoes. With a little hard work I'll have a polytunnel over all the beds by next year's growing season.
Below are my babies 
Tvman xx
Hi
me again. From my front garden today. The colour of the California poppies is so joyous and I love the clash with the purple allium
Dear tvman ,
Yes, So Joyful! I love the contrast of colors!!!
1)my kitchen is AG with 11 days since planting seeds
sorry upside down. 2) Giant sunflowers and strawberries 3)sweet peas 
