I love the plants that bloom this time of year. While flowers abound all summer, there is something very special about the winter blooms. They are rare in northern climates. Some are lingerers from the previous season, like this rose, 'Sharifa Asma', from David Austin. I couldn't resist cutting it.

This Daphne x transatlantica started back in April, and hasn't stopped.

These Crocus speciosus 'Cassiopeia' are a month into their season.

So is this witchazel, Hamamelis virginiana.

This is Mahonia bealei, with a lily of the valley fragrance.

Some plants are just beginning their season. The fragrance of wintersweet, Chimonanthus praecox, reminds me of Arabian jasmine and Juicy Fruit gum.

My camera refuses to focus on the amaretto scented flowers of Viburnum farreri.

And though these lavender wands have dried on the stems, they are still powerfully fragrant. I brush past them with my car as I pull in to the driveway, and that releases the perfume.

Here's to hope for a fragrant winter, everybody!