If you squint a bit, and it’s a clear afternoon, it really does feel now like those nights are drawing out, at least a bit. And there are some signs of new growth in the garden and in the greenhouse. Here’s a hopeful #SixOnSaturday, showcasing a great mix of colour and form in my winter garden.

First, take a look at some random bulb growth showing some cheer in the long-light before sunset. These could be daffs, but I suspect they are probably Spanish bluebells.

At the other end of the garden, wallflower are blooming. I like the fact that this variety have both yellow and red buds/flowers.

Buds are starting to bulge now, here are some soft camellia buds against those gorgeous shiny leaves.

I keep myself sane through winter by trying a few things in the greenhouse. This year radicchio are having a go. There’s not much growth since November, but they are alive and their intricate colours are a treat.

Despite the frost and the shady location, sarcococca are flowering, and producing a surprisingly strong, sweet (almost too sweet for me) fragrance. I will bring a few stems into the house for a vase, let’s see if we can cope with their scent indoors.

Last, but not least, my favourite hellebore is now in bud, this is going to be a lovely dark purple flower…looking forward to it.

That’s my #SixOnSaturday for this week. Join the sixes on Mastodon or other instances in the Fediverse via #SixOnSaturday, we need a few more folk to toot on the topic: come join us. All you need to do is find 6 things in your garden to show us. Then post on social, or add a link at Jim’s blog below. For regulars, our organiser is Jim at https://gardenruminations.co.uk/. Also on the former birdsite, for those who must: @JamesLStephens. And I’m on mastodon @julie3dharris@mastodon.scot