Late December. That means happy Christmas preparations and parties for some. Extra work and stress for others. Waiting for the return of the light (the Winter solstice is tomorrow) for all.
We had a nice visit to the local arboretum late last week, hadn't been there for a while. I assume most people think this is the ugly season in a garden, nothing but a bunch of dead stems, dried and brown. Personally though, I love the gold and silvery vegetation, rustling in the wind with the light shining softly through them. I love to think about all of the insect life that is hibernating, hiding, waiting, for the return of the warmth so that the next cycle of life can begin. This is an informative article about how insects overwinter if you're interested.
And here is Tiny Tim. He will be overwintering with lots of snuggles, warm blankets, and crazy kitten playing to keep warm.