Wow, look what I saw out my kitchen window this morning:

They’re blooooooooming. …

I love camellias. Mostly I love them because they’re one of the few large flowers that bloom in January, so they always look like “exceptions” (… or maybe “fighters”?).

I bought this pink one for my back patio about five years ago, and I planted it right in front of my kitchen window so I’d have a pretty flower to look at once Christmas ended. And, sure enough, it’s delivered: Every year, right about the time I put the Christmas decorations away (feeling a little sad), I look out my kitchen window and suck in my breath a little — there it is! The first camellia! Then I go out and see how many blooms I have.

Today I have three, looking like they’re getting ready to unfold any second. I always feel grateful that my camellias bloom for me, because I’m not a very good gardener. They really need acid in the soil, and there isn’t much there naturally, so I should add some, but I always forget. This year I’m going to try to be a more attentive gardener.

I mean, it’s the least I could do for those beautiful flowers that cheer me up after Christmas sadly ends. …

UPDATE:

Less than a week later!:

Pretty young things. …