GBBD December - Things Change

Seems like yesterday -- though it was several days ago -- that I took this photo of Zauschneria 'Calistoga' (California fuchsia) and of Rhododendron occidentalis, the native rhododenron that freakily likes to bloom while it's losing its leaves.

Seems like yesterday that Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum (native currant) was just starting to turn color.

And then this.

Yes, even in the Bay Area the birdbath ices over, though it's pretty easy to smash the ice, or pick it up as I did for this photo. And even here, a few truly frosty nights change everything.

Now the currant glows with fall color.

Now Styrax Californica (California snowdrop bush) is turning yellow, as are the fruit trees, finally going dormant.

But for the hummingbirds, we still have Tecomaria capensis (Cape honeysuckle), and correa from Australia, both reliably confused about the seasons and a cheerful sight in the winter garden.

Even more wonderful, the first buds of this small Euphorbia, soon to bloom, and the knowledge that the different California manzanitas won't be far behind, frost or not.

Just look, even now, a single Heuchera blossom whispers promises of the blooms soon to come.

And now, late bloomer that I am this week, I'll head over to May Dreams Gardens to see what other blooms are to be found this month. Thanks as always to our gracious host Carol and to all other bloom day participants.