January in the Garden at Sequoia House Seattle

Although it is the middle of winter, the garden is already active at Sequoia House Seattle.

Sarcococca in bloom under the Sequoia House Seattle Heritage Tree

Under the Giant Sequoia, the sarcococca is in full bloom. Also known as sweet box, this lovely evergreen shrub thrives in the dry shade under the tree. But it is in winter that it becomes a real standout in the garden, with lovely tiny white blooms emitting a heavenly scent for all passerbys to enjoy. Our native Anna’s hummingbirds in particular are enjoying the blooms, flocking to it daily for its fill of nectar.

In the backyard, clematis is starting to bloom as well. Its flowers are beginning to peek out through the large (10 plus feet tall) border hedge of English laurel and holly that the clematis has twined through. When in full bloom, the border hedge will be filled with white blooms, providing another wave of flowers during this dormant time of year.

Sweet box (sarcococca) in full bloom in the dry shade under the Sequoia House Seattle Heritage Tree

In the backyard, we’ve also added another bird feeder - this time a squirrel proof one - to our collection in the vine maple. Juncos, chickadees and towhees in particular are drawn to it, but we’ve also had blue jays and even a thrush show up as well. The squirrels attempt to get to the food from it, but every time they step on the perch the feeder closes. We still leave food they can access, but we like having at least one feeder devoted just to the birds.