January 8, 2001
The winter that wasn't - at least so far - as evidenced by this incredibly early blooming, winter-flowering jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) on your basic NW Portland street.

And just a stone's throw away, the cherries (Prunus) are blooming, although I suspect this is P. autumnalis which wouldn't make the timing of these flowers such a huge surprise. At any rate, you now know why the Pacific Northwest is an amazing place to live. Rarely does a month go by without something, somewhere in bloom.

Gardeners' reactions are mixed to this incredibly mild weather (now there's something new and different). Some are grateful, some are suspicious, expecting the precious buds of their spring-blooming plants to perk up too soon and get slammed by a freeze. Given that I'm growing nothing of interest in my garden right now, I have a dispassionate advantage as I enjoy this balmy respite from the cold.