Now in January 2026, with the days getting longer, plants are waking up. Sequoia sempervirens, also known as coast redwood, is growing male cones bearing pollen for the wind to blow on to female cones on the same tree. This particular tree grows in Stanley Park, between the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden to the west and Lost Lagoon to the east.

Camellia sasanqua is the smaller of the two camellia species; its native home is the mountains of China and Japan. This blossom photograph was taken on January 15 in Vancouver’s West End. It is actually part of a hedge–both leaves and flowers survive pruning shears well. 

Here in a warm corner of a West End garden bloom the first snowdrops I’ve seen this year. Is January 15 a record? It’s lovely for spring to show its delights so early. But maybe climate change is a factor. It’s been cold but not cold enough for snow.

Beside this sidewalk is an explosion of winter heath. A member of the heath or heather family, Ericaceae, the tiny bell flowers in the genus Erica. This species, Erica carnea, or perhaps it is a cultivar, has been chosen for its winter blooms. Now is the time to purchase such a plant, when it’s in bloom. Does anyone know the species?

Hang on to your soil. It is magic.