It’s always exciting to see flowering activity on trees and shrubs during our coldest months when everything else appears to be dormant. Several have stood out this week.  First, the pink-flowering trees that are bursting into bloom everywhere are Prunus mume, also known as Japanese flowering apricot.  Several are located in Camden Park. They are blooming right on time; they are greatly appreciated for their long bloom period which spans January and February.  Find one in an enclosed area or on a comparatively still day in order to enjoy the wonderful fragrance.  If freezing temperatures kill some of the tender new blooms, more buds will open later.  Although called flowering apricots they bear only tiny inedible fruits.  This tree was a favorite of one of our favorite plantsmen, J.C. Raulston.   

Also scented around the gardens this week were: Lonicera fragrantissima (Sweet breath of spring or Winter honeysuckle), a white-blooming intensely fragrant shrub honeysuckle;  various Mahonias (Oregon grape) in Camden Park, whose yellow sprays of flowers are sweetly fragrant if you are able to brave their prickly surrounding leaflets; very early bright yellow daffodils in front of the Inn.

- The Fearrington Gardeners

Say "Be Mine!" with a stunning Valentine-red Birkin-style handbag from Dovecote!  Fabulous new design for us.....also available in classic black, brown, metallic brown and pewter....and two sizes.  New shipment of our signature Bucket Bags and Flat Satchels with braided handle in several new spring colors also arriving this week.  We promise she will love them all!...... and YOU!

xo

Daneen 

Despite my lack of technological prowess I recently came across two beautiful blogs that highlighted fall trips to Fearrington. I enjoy hearing what others are saying about this property, and the blogosphere has certainly increased ways for feedback!  In “A Southern Accent” there’s a wonderful entry dated October 31^st describing one family’s visit this fall to the Village Center, including a stop to see the Belted Galloway cows. In the other blog post, “Defining Your Home Garden”, a November 3^rd entry discusses the gardens and specific plants of fall interest – and also mentions the Belties! Beautiful pictures in both - check them out! And if you have a blog entry mentioning Fearrington, we'd love to hear about it.

- Greg   

Have you noticed how heavily berried the hollies are this year?  We've been impressed with both the rich color and the large number of berries on all our varieties.  Pyracanthas are also full of fruit, but it's hard to tell whether this is an exceptional season for them since they are normally bent beneath the weight of their fruit by this time of year.  We're taking advantage of the bounty by using prunings in seasonal decorations and flower arrangements.

- The Fearrington Gardeners