It’s the 5th week of the year and we are into February. Already there’s a noticeable cock’s step. In Irish, we call it ‘léim an choiligh’ , or in slang ‘The Grand Oul Stretch’. Since the Solstice we’ve got about 20 minutes extra daylight in the morning and 50 before sunset. That’s not to be sneezed at. Plants are responding well too.
Can someone answer me this?
Why are extra morning and evening minutes not evenly distributed?
Here are six that are among the said responders:
1. Aucuba
This is Spotted Laurel, officially Aucuba japonica. The variety is ‘Rozannie‘. This may be a misprint of Rozanne which would sound better. It’s doing well in the front garden, laden with large red berries.
Most of the berries are hidden within the shrub. For sure, I’ll propagate it at the right time. Must go check when that is.
2. Agapanthus
One hundred and forty two skeletonised Agapanthus stems. Yes, I counted as I gently pulled them away. Some are damaged or very weak, so I’ll filter them out. I may have enough left for two bouquets.
3. Rhubarb
In a sheltered corner, the rhubarb is thriving. I did cover it with a bucket during the very cold weather last month. I am debating keeping a lid on it to force it for earlier dessert with custard.
4. Pieris
I love variegated evergreens. Pieris japonica ‘Little Frosty’.
5. Verbascum
Successful germination of Verbascum. Crikey, it’s as if I’m taking credit for what happens naturally, but I did all the right things to help. Heated propagator at 20°C, pressed the seeds on the compost without covering them. This, as you can see, is Verbascum phoeniceum ‘Violetta’. All going well, I’ll be sure to feature it in June. Verbascum is commonly known as Mullein. Here’s a shot of Verbascum ‘Snowy Spires’ from last year, grown from seed in 2022.
6. Any Day Now
It’s their time! I’m guessing other northern Six-on-Saturday bloggers will feature a daffodil or two today. I’m not a betting man, yet I’m offering odds of 1:3.
Summary
Pop over to Jim’s Site to discover more Six-on-Saturday updates. Until next time, I hope you get to enjoy some time in the garden.
The Three Hairs Garden 
I love Verbascum. I managed to grow a couple of plants, and I bought two more from an open garden that I visited last year. I would love to see them return this year.
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What’s not to love, a chara? Biennial, I’m told. So you’ll see them again.
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Yes, the first year that I grew them from seed, they were just leaves. A bit like Foxgloves, aren’t plants clever that they know to flower every two years.
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Replied on the other link I have
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We’re rhubarb lovers at our house too. I’ve never considered covering any of our plants to give them a head start, but will keep that in mind.
I do like your endnote of a collage photo of your six. Nice touch.
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Apparently best with an upturned pot with a hole in it. I cheated.
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Beautiful Pieris japonica ‘Little Frosty’! I’m jealous of the rhubarb, one of my favorites.
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This is a very encouraging grouping of photos. No daffodils yet for me but mine seem about the same stage as yours.
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Wow, your garden is racing towards Spring! Great to see the rhubarb so well advanced. Enjoy your first crumble!! I checked my aucuba the other day and it has once again been devoured down to the protective wire cage by the muntjac. Must build a bigger cage :(. Your pieris is a beauty.
Re. your initial question, which has perplexed me too. This link has some good answers … most clearly and comprehensively the response by Ron Davis: https://www.quora.com/When-the-days-start-getting-shorter-do-we-lose-sunlight-at-the-beginning-or-the-end-of-the-day-Or-does-daylight-decrease-evenly-at-both-ends-of-the-day
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Thanks for that link, a chara. Something for new learning.
Of course, depending on definition of start of Spring, the progress is to be admired accordingly. Conversely, irrespective of labels, it’s great to admire the garden in the moment.
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