Sections of a wide spreading clump of ‘Evergold’ carex that encroached into a large patch of snowdrops were carefully cut to the ground several weeks ago. This was accomplished with the loss of only two snowdrops, a surprisingly small number since the sedge and snowdrops appeared hopelessly intertwined. There are plenty of snowdrops remaining, in particular a double flowered type (below) that has tripled in number the past year. These are not as graceful as the singles, but my intention was to increase the number of flowers at this prominent spot by the front walk, and that has been accomplished.

This year, I must cut the carex to the ground in December, thus avoiding the conflict since the sedge and snowdrops seem to get along fine together, except the snowdrops can hardly be seen through the tall blades of ‘Evergold’. There are many issues in the garden that are difficult, so I am particularly pleased when one is resolved so easily.

As the sedge crowded snowdrops, the vigorous growth of the double flowered snowdrops has crowded crocuses (above) that must now be relocated. I must not complain when one thing or the other grows too well.

Two late autumn flowering camellias, ‘Winter’s Star’ and ‘Winter’s Interlude’ are annually late flowering since they are more shaded than others, and occasionally the two will bloom during mild spells in January. Most often, flower buds that remain by February are freeze dried, but the past two years there have been no extreme periods of winter cold, so today both camellias have multiple swelling buds and several flowers. I prefer earlier flowering since now they are joined by the first of the spring blooming japonicas (below), but of course I have no say in the matter.

Several small patches of cyclamen (Cyclamen coum, below) are slowly spreading along the stone path near the front door. In fact, after little increase the first year, I’m pleased that the pace picked up last year. While the flowering cycle is short, cyclamen are grown more for their foliage.