Blooming Friday ~ Delights in December

Delights in December are all in the details.

The beauty of frost forming a dipped-sugar pattern on rose leaves

and sunlight glinting off the ice so that it sparkles like diamonds.

The creek on our farm's boundary is a scene of light browns, taupes and grays

with some green here and there from mature loblolly pines and American
hollies such as this one, leaning over the creek as if to see its own reflection.

The lacy design of the bark of these young sycamores, which would probably go unnoticed in the lushness of spring and summer, commands admiration in winter when it glows in the late afternoon sun.

Indeed the most delightful thing in December have been the warm golden days we have experienced ~ today was warm enough for a short sleeve shirt. The sunlight transforms what would be rather drab

(as you can see I have been mulching some of the beds
with hay for winter, and I'm not yet done cutting some things back)

into something enchantingly beautiful. What could be more delightful?

The sun lights up the leaves of the rugosas, making them glow bright green, gold and pink

and sets the bright scarlet foliage of Rosa arkansana

and Rosa virginiana on fire.

The Oakleaf Hydrangea east of the house is still covered in burgundy and crimson leaves. The ones north of the house are still mostly green and will change even later unless they freeze first, which they often do.

The Japanese Apricot tree is blooming, the flowers and their perfume drawn out by the sun's warmth.

They are so sweet.

Wishing you a delightful weekend. Join Katerina at roses and stuff for more Blooming Fridays.