An impromptu browse through the garden this morning revealed unexpected pinks and purples on a dark and drizzly day. December rain cleared most of the remaining foliage on the dormant hydrangea bringing into focus a pair of out-of-season blooms blushing against the grey sky. These garden anomalies make me smile.
According to Jafe Decorating, “Pink is widely recognized for its calming and soothing effects on the human psyche. Studies have shown that exposure to the color pink can reduce feelings of anger, aggression, and anxiety, creating a serene and tranquil environment, helping to alleviate stress and tension.”
Shades of pink and purple appear in the center of this succulent
and along the edges of its companion.
These plants came in a hanging basket and made do with cramped quarters for some time, but once they had room to spread out, they quickly dominated this raised bed. They tolerate the cold and can mostly handle the heat, though they get a bit of sunburn on scorching days.
At the corner of our patio, the first of the pink hyacinths is up, with more pinks and purples to follow. They remind me of Mom, who once gave each of us one for Christmas along with a glass bulb-growing vase. I still remember what a thrill it was seeing that fragrant flower emerge from the top, but being able to see the roots, too.
By now, I was on a mission to find anything remotely pink or purple in the garden. Everything smells wonderful after a rain, so I took my time and turned up one more, this tiny flowering ground cover that self-seeds as it pleases, and has done so for thirty years.
The last of the pinks is a collection of Christmas cacti that live on the kitchen counter under diffused light. I can’t remember a time when they bloomed so profusely. They are a balm for the weary soul.
Gardening Nirvana 
Delightful ! – and I see your schlumbergera, too – they look very like small cactus orchids (of course !). :) All these amazing Brazilian plants that can grow out of bits of leaf ! – Nature is superb.
And yes, I am becoming far fonder of pink than of yore: something to do with aging, I imagine.
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Thank you, MR. Succulents and cacti are intriguing. They’re masters at surviving a harsh climate with limited water, heat, etc. Nature is superb. San Jose is considered semi-arid, so a lot of these plants work well in my garden, and they’re perfect for our on again, off again droughts.
I was never a fan of pink, per se, because growing up as a red head, my mother would say “redhead’s don’t look good in pink” even though I wanted to wear it. Green is my favorite color, followed by blue and purple, but honestly I think all color is brilliant.
I hope you are doing well.
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Pink and green is a favorite color combo of mine. Amazing how those hydrangea have bloomed out of season!
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They are lovely together. I’m always intrigued by these out of season flowers and occasionally fruit. I hope you are doing well, Eliza.
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👍🏼 🙏🏼
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🌺
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There is always something to surprise you in the garden.
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I loved seeing these pink beauties :) I favour the soft pink hues, I think they are more soothing and enjoyable. It is going to be a while before I see them in my garden, so thank you for sharing your beauties :)
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I like the softer pinks as well. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Maria.
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Beautiful photos. You have such an eye. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you, Dawn!
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I admire that off season hydrangea flower. Dare to be different!
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There you go!
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Lovely to see some colour in the garden already, and I love the colour pink too. Isn’t the little knotweed flower sweet – is it the sort that smellls good too? I had one once that smelt of bubblegum. 😃 The Hyacinth is wonderful too, but I am more impressed with your collection of Christmas cacti! Glorious! They never thrive for me so I love seeing other people’s! 😁
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Cathy, I’ve fallen behind here. A flower that smells like bubblegum? Wow, that would be amazing. This little gem doesn’t have much of a scent, but it loves growing in my garden.
The Christmas cacti are still flowering! One just set out a second set of new buds, and a coral variety just got started. I wish I knew what made this year a success, but I’m enjoying it.
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Sounds like an awesome mission to find pink and purple in that lovely garden! I love the tiny flowering ground cover image!
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Thank you, Tierney. The garden feels like a sanctuary.
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Oh, Alys! How lovely to walk through your garden in search of pinks and purples! You grow so many plants that I’ve never seen before. Your garden discoveries are such moments of JOY for those of us enduring this dangerous winter blast stretching across 2,000 miles of our country. Currently, our afternoon temperature feels like -12 degrees here in Illinois. My garden has a light blanket of snow protecting everything. We are blessed to be warm and cozy inside, visiting special blog friends! Sending big hugs! 🩷 ~ Dawn
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