Hazel in flower in January

These wind pollinated hazel flowers are very early.

 

 

 The catkins of a different variety, from Italy, are fortunately also open.  Hopefully there will be a better crop of nuts this year than last. 

 

 

 

 

 

Osteospermum in flower on New Year's day

This Osteospermum sp. is in flower on New Year's day, despite the torrential rains and occasional frosts of the winter so far.

Happy New Year to all.

Primulas are also in flower -- for some weeks already.

Eucharis amazonica, Amazon Lily

E. amazonica is a bulbous perennial to 75cm, with narrowly elliptic leaves and erect stems bearing an umbel of fragrant white flowers, the stamens united at the base to form a cup.

It is a lovely house plant for foliage and stunning when in flower -- eight flower spikes above.
See http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=2911 for the RHS description.

It will need to be divided soon (in Spring), when spare bulbs will be available.