Since we had been enjoying a few nice days of sun and warmth this weekend between the nonstop rain and the “arctic blast,” I was actually able to get out in the yard a little bit. Today marks not only the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the inauguration of Barack Obama’s second term, but also the one-third point point for winter. One month down, two to go.

The paperwhites are blooming . . .

and so is the bridal wreath, just like they’re supposed.

The nandinas are covered in their red berries.

My gardenias are also blooming.

 

And my loropetalum . . .

The quince can’t make up their minds whether to bloom or not; it’s a little bit early for them.

Because of this crazy weather, one of my azaleas is in full bloom now, too— this freeze might kill it, I’m afraid. The Japanese magnolia is also trying to sprout and so is the dogwood.  I’ve been keeping an eye on the hydrangeas to know whether I’ll need to cover them, in case they bud early.

As much I don’t like the cold, this “arctic blast” needs to convince all these springtime plants to go back to sleep for a while.