1203 - Sweet Peas

The sweet peas alongside the staircase at the top of the terraces continue to bloom even as winter sweet peas make their appearance, the scent of a single pale pink flower strong enough to perfume the kitchen.

1203 - Stock

We introduced stock into the gardens several years ago, and were happy it readily reseeded.

The fragrance of its flowers is one of my favorites.

1302 - Hyacinths

Dozens of hyacinths have come up this warm, dry winter to give us a steady supply for arrangements throughout the house.

1202 - Clarkia

The clarkia in the garden between the garage doors has done quite well this dry, warm winter.

1202 - Cosmos

The cosmos in the front gardens have thrived this winter, many of the plants at least three-feet tall by three-feet wide.

Some of the pink flowers are nearly as big as your hand.

1202 - Cabbage Poppy

This cabbage poppy surprised us when it sprang up among the roses in the garden between the garage doors. Its flowers are nearly as big as your hands cupped together to catch water.

1201 - Larkspur

I cut and brought indoors this pink larkspur just before it rained hard for a few days.

1201 - Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe has become one of my favorite genus of succulents, this species quite happy in our gardens, its leaves turning dark blue, then pink, as it sends up foot-long, pink flower stems.

When the bell-shaped flowers open, their interior will be bright orange.

1201 - Hyacinth

Since heavy rains have failed to arrive this winter, I've been surprised by the dozens upon dozens of hyacinths now emerging in the gardens.

One cut flower on the mantel is enough to perfume the front of the house.

1201 - Tac

Here are a few photographs of Tac hanging out with me in the gardens on a very windy day not too long ago.

Her winter coat gets so long, Phil takes to calling her "Badger."