The Darling Buds Of.....December

Now that just doesn't sound right.
But there are buds a plenty:

This is a nice, healthy bud on Rose Princess Alexandra of Kent, one of the David Austin roses that I planted last autumn. Somehow, I don't think it will open because of the severe frosts forecast this week. But it is in a very sheltered position, so who knows?  Maybe.

This, on the other hand, is Helleborus argutifolius, which normally produces buds at this time of year, and should be flowering in a week or two, and will continue to bloom right through the winter whatever the weather.

And this is a 'twirly' (too early.) Another Hellebore, to give it its full name; Helleborus orientalis Double Ellen Red. I bought it two years ago from Hayloft Plants. The first year I grew it in a pot, and the second year I grew it in a deep hanging basket, but no flowers appeared. I then discovered that these Hellebores like a really deep root run to get established. So last summer, I moved it from the hanging basket into the ground. The cold, wet summer must have tricked it into thinking I had planted it in autumn, as now it is on the verge of flowering. It is in a very sheltered spot so hopefully any early flowers will survive.

And finally, I'm pleased to report that Long-Tailed Tits have returned to the garden. A flock of about a dozen of them have been feeding in my neighbour's conifer. Although I have put out fat balls for them, they seem more interested in the sunflower hearts at the moment. Maybe I should put a notice up for them.