A walk on a cold winter’s day can yield surprises. People are amazed when we tell them Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has blooms year-round.

“Really?” they asked skeptically. True, January doesn’t yield the profusion of blooms of say, April, but in some ways – that makes what is blooming even that much more special.

(Especially after a holiday season of sensory overload!)

So pictured above is a lovely gem from the Garden today – Camellia japonica. I was out looking for hellebores, and a scarlet bloom on the ground caught my eye. Because it is so vibrant against the muted winter landscape, the bloom almost tempts you to take a second look to make sure it is real.

You may be familiar with camellias, but if not here are few quick facts – they are a native of China; over 3,000 varieties are cultivated; are a member of the tea family; bloom from late winter to early spring; are hardy in USDA Zones 6 – 9; are often used in borders and hedges; and in some Asian cultures, camellias represent longevity and faithfulness.

I am happy to report other blooming activity in the Garden as well – amid a brief swirl of snow flurries, I saw a few flowers on the winter jasmine and hellebores.  We’ll be using the blog to chronicle a year of blooms and beauty—as well as offering gardening tips and “behind-the-scenes” views. Stay tuned!

Beth Monroe is public relations director at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

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