First Snow

An old Appalachian tradition of walking barefoot in the first snow . . .

 

 

Snow on the hill across the way . . .

 

 

Hydrangea

It's been rainy and unseasonably cool here at the house above Heck Creek.  Yesterday's high was 64 degrees, and today's was 67.  

The oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is blooming.  The panicles are so large and heavy (especially with the rain), they can't remain upright.

Winter Flowers

Amaryllis!

Botany note:  The plant family Amaryllidaceae contains 75 genera.  The plants commonly called surprise lily and naked ladies are in the genus Amaryllis.  The winter blooming bulbs we grow inside are actually in the genus Hippeastrum!

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