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