Party on pagans (it's winter solstice time!)

Although a magic day, this the shortest of the year, I won't be sad to see the darkness of winter begin it's forced march toward longer days-- and more time in the garden.

The past week has been clear, although somewhat warm at the beginning of the week (70's) the temperature took a precipitous fall into the upper 40's last night. Had to postpone tennis until later in the morning. Anyway, regarding the sun-- it's been drying things out and I had the pleasure of watering a good many pots in the pm.    Though I had to pour a few water cans earlier in the week on blood orange and bamboo and pandora / jasmine / bougainvillea grouping in the center handrail planters at night after work.

I have a small variegated bougainville that's been planted for 2 years now in a very pretty light blue glazed ceramic pot. Unfortunately.. after my application of granular Protect and Feed it has dropped most of it's leaves. It could be a coincidence, the problem is a pest of some sort, but probably not. Too much pesticide for the potted bougie. Happily there are buds poking out on the branches. It has a pretty habit and I've kept it small-- maybe a future bonsai specimen? One thing I've learned with the variegated leaves, highlighted with a bright lime green is NOT to overdo the nitrogen. It will turn the leaves a solid green. When in full (variegated) foliage and bloom this thing is a charmer.

Not in bloom here but the lime highlight of the leaves still very pretty