Light in the Winter Garden

Since last week's storm, we've had pretty much non-stop cold, overcast days with frequent drizzles in San Francisco. Today the weather pattern broke and the sky is sunny and clear. I drank coffee on the deck and listened to soft, distant sounds--airplanes, freeway traffic, birds, children playing.

Acting on my coffee-induced euphoria, I took some pictures that show how good it feels to be alive and well and happy on January 12, 2008.



This amaryllis has been outside since September, withstanding last week's storm and everything. The flower was prettier the first time it bloomed, but I also like the ragged appeal of this flower.







Also vining up the deck, Cobaea scandens. It shows indications of imminent flowering (but not in this picture).









Let your eye follow the lines of the leaves as you contemplate the inner drama this plant is going through--currently marshaling its resources to make its end-of-life 6-foot-tall inflorescence!



Salvia spathacea.



Philadelphus lewisii didn't drop any leaves this year. I have big hopes for this young plant.



The recent storm and resultant stress defoliated the brugmansia. The current thinking is to get rid of it and replace it with a dwarf Gravenstein.



The storm rattled the Princess flowers, but otherwise the plant is fine. And there are new buds as you can see.



That's a shallot.



This is the view from behind my compost bin.





These shells (from Guy's dad who collected them in Guam during his Navy service in WWII) are getting quite bleached.



And the ornament.



Most compelling upon closest inspection.