My Mahonia "Charity"........

............is producing some lovely coloured leaves this year and is also flowering a month earlier than previously!
It has slender spikes of pale yellow flowers appearing usually from November to March, above rosettes of large, handsome, dark green, holly-like leaves. The flowers of this lovely, upright, evergreen shrub have a fragrance reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley, and seem to glow in the wintry sunlight. They are followed by bunches of highly ornamental, round, deep purple berries. This mahonia makes a lovely focal point for a shady spot in the garden, where its glossy, architectural leaves can be appreciated all year round. Give it space, as its leaves will spread, and conceal its long 'legs' with spring-flowering bulbs and small, shade-loving perennials. Although it prefers shade, it will tolerate sun as long as the soil remains moist though mine is planted in quite a dry, sunny spot and seems to thrive
Many grown together like a hedge are great burglar deterrents - they are VERY prickly!
I blipped this shrub last year at the end of November (31st) so it is at least a month early.

Anni was in Rome yesterday (work) and it was really hot! - she was fine on the way out and had a sleep on her early morning flight but woke up completely full of cold! Poor lass!

The weather started off bright and sunny after a moonlit night but the clouds are again building up - forecast is for more rain - and it's quite windy. Temperature at 9.15am is around the 56Deg.F.

Have a great day.

Last year's picture was Tom Thumbs House!!! see also story about it on Blip of 2nd Jan this year.
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