Eastern spinebill in daphne
AN EASTERN SPINEBILL VISITING FOR NECTAR

Daphne is everywhere in my chilly, upper  Blue Mountains garden. It loves acid soil, which is why I grow it, along with  azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas. At last count I had nine…..sorry, ten. daphne bushes.

Daphne

What could be better than a shrub that flowers in mid winter and has one of the most heavenly perfumes imaginable?

Well, it is better if the flowers match one’s dress.

Daphne seat
Sweet Milly

And Milly insisted I include this little poem;

All about the daphne bush the happy fairies went,

And spread about their silken hair to catch its magic scent.

They chanted little silver tunes, they danced the whole day long,

The rosy bush was ringed around with chains of coloured sound.

The best way to tip prune plants is to pick flowers for the house, or for friends.

Miniature cornucopia vase.
Perfect for a tiny cornucopia vase.
ABOVE THE KITCHEN SINK

The bouquet in the bucket is one  I took along to put on a grave that was having a marker placed after 100 years. This old-fashioned plant would have been just as popular  back in 1918…..and no doubt grown by poor Linda Loosley   herself.

Daphne for a grave marker ceremony

DAPHNE DESERVES A SPECIAL VASE

I found this vase up in Blackheath village  at a second hand shop for a few dollars. Perfect for the flowers .

The perfect vase for daphne
Especially lovely when the light shines through.

DAPHNE IS NOT ONLY PINK!

Spinebill in the dphne
EASTERN SPINEBILL VISITING



White daphne is a particular favourite of mine. The nectar attracts birds just as much as the familiar pink variety. My shrubs are visited by Wattlebirds, Eastern Spinebills and tiny Silvereyes.

White Daphne
In full glory

A PEEK BEYOND WINTER

If the daphne is flowering, spring is already in the air;

Daffodils and daphne.
Daffs and daphne.

So heart-lifting, even in the rain;

A white variety.
DAMP, BUT STILL A JOY
White daphne
For the sill.

Daphne  needs a well drained location  in dappled sunshine. Mind you, the best position is on my bedside table. 😍

A perfumed  bedside posy.
Sweet dreams.

All rugged up, by my heart is warmed by the harbinger of spring.

Pauline Conolly rugged but enjoying the fragrance.
FREEZING COLD BUT BACKED BY FRAGRANT DAPHNE

By the way, there is a yellow variety too. I really think I must have one

A yellow variety.
HOW PRETTY AND UNUSUAL

For more growing tips, CLICK HERE

2 Comments
  1. I adore Daphne. I have a Daphne Odora aureomarginata but not having acidic soil, have it growing in a pot. It used to thrive well in Maidenhead, but just about ‘holds its own’ here in Yorkshire. However as it was a cutting from my mother’s garden, I nurture it with love.

    • Pauline

      I think Blackheath has the ideal climate and soil for them, Marcia. How special to have one from your Mother’s garden.

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