Today was another unusually warm day for January—we are getting spoiled!

So what’s to see in the Garden on a sunny January day? Well, the beauty is subtle, but it is there. I was reading something at lunch about how in Japanese culture there is great admiration for plants with just a few blooms on them—because they stand out more and you appreciate them more (I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the idea).

That is definitely the case at this time of year. Take a look at that hellebore above—isn’t it delicate and lovely? (I am planning to use an upcoming blog to talk more about hellebore.)

Here are a few more winter gems I caught today:

Winter Jasmine

And even a cherry tree with a few blooms—and a brave little bee!

Do you have any favorite plants at this time of year?

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

The variety of shapes and textures of the evergreen trees and shrubs gives structure to the garden and are most appreciated in winter when peering out from the warm side of my window. The berries on these plants add a touch of color that pops against the cool greens as I spy them when creeping up close on a walk around the yard. Then there are the majestic grasses standing up to the damp and cold. Some of them look like chrysanthemum shaped, mini, beige fireworks.

My favorite plants are in my herb garden though. It is such a pleasure to run out the kitchen door while preparing a meal to clip a spring of Arp rosemary, thyme, oregano, or sweet marjoram. There are also small amounts of parsely, bronze fennel, and Egyptian top onions to snip to add to mix. The skies being dark by dinnertime, I take my flashlight and make some noise to give the critters of the night plenty of time to hide.

Yes, I like to appreciate small flowers and plants with just a few blossoms on them. When I see them, I feel the change of seasons and I am surprised at the strength of nature in the plants.

I love Plunus mume (plum) at this time of year. I love the fragrance.

Here in Japan, many people admire plum blossoms in late winter and cherry blossoms in spring.

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