December in the garden

It's been cold and frosty out there this week, but I was delighted to see that the bulbs we planted before Christmas have started to come through. 

At least I *think* they're the bulbs we planted - there's a small chance they may be unharvested garlic. We'll see. Whatever they are, it's nice to see some new greenery out there and it's making me feel like spring is on the horizon (however distant). 

I've also been delighted with these autumn bedding plants, which are still going strong despite the frost. 

I suppose it's probably pretty sheltered out there - the edge of the garden is only a few feet from the house, and we're in a built up urban area so maybe it just doesn't get that cold. Whatever the reason, the tubs are looking positively lush, not bad for Christmas week. 

I've got high hopes for this giant poppy - I thought I'd killed it in the summer but having planted it in the ground (rather than a pot) it now looks like it'll soldier through. I wonder if we'll still be here to see it flower... 

I've never grown ornamental cabbages before - I always thought they were a bit pointless, when you could just grow a real cabbage and make a nice meal out of it. But then I didn't grow any real cabbages, and these ornamental ones take up very little room and have been a great source of purpleness, especially now when much of the rest of the garden is full of sticks. I'll definitely have them again. 

They're ever so frilly and delicate, and such a beautiful colour. Looks like I won't have too much of a problem making the garden look inhabitable to sell the house in February after all. 

I'd love to hear what's going on in your garden if you're willing to share - feel free to post a link to pictures if you have them!