Dearest Dahpne

We love the shocking sight of Daphne in the winter when the skies are grey and the rain is cold and constant.

They must get the feeling that they look out of place. But we are so happy they choose to keep their heads held high and choose to believe they are the best dressed girl in the room.

Last year we wrote a post on the whims and desires of Daphne Odora (click on the name to read and see photos), a lovely (though difficult), low evergreen bush which offers blooms similar to those in the photo above.

This is Odora’s tall, awkward, gawky cousin, Mezereum (or commonly called Feburary Daphne).  We’ve had a mild winter in the PNW, which has brought her to bloom earlier than usual.

We must admit, we seem to have let this girl get a little out of control, it seems to be time to bring her down a size.

This winter pruning project is actually quite a pleasure,

because the by-product is a beautiful sight to behold indoors!  To read about other Splendid Market posts on branchy bouquets, click on the name of your choice: quince, lilac, flowering fruit branches.

We cut the branches at an angle, to allow them to absorb more water.   Any smaller branches that would be below the water level of our vases have been trimmed off.  Into the vases they go..

Any smaller branches which were trimmed off are perfect gracing a nightstand or two.