“Teeny, Tiny”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
Being in the middle of winter with not too many new things blooming, I started noticing the tiny little flowers that are showing up. Most of these are wildflowers that are starting to appear in the lawn, but some are garden plants that do not get noticed when the more showy flowers are in bloom.
First ones I noticed (with dismay) are the wild strawberries starting to bloom. These have been a problem since Hurricane Katrina. They are a sign of too much shade, dampness, and acidity. Luckily they are easily pulled up and discarded, but unfortunately, I have been unable to get rid of them all (yet). They do have cute little yellow flowers that are followed by a strawberry-like fruit.
Another tiny flower that is making itself known in the garden is the sweet olive. While the flowers are small, the fragrance is big. This is one plant that when it blooms, it reminds me of home – my parents’ home. My dad brought this big, old sweet olive from a job site where it would have been just tossed out. He saved it, planted it, and it is still thriving today. That bush must be at least 75 years old. These plants with their small, inconspicuous flowers can really perfume a garden without being cloying.
Last, on today’s tour, is the petite flower of Purple Heart. The blooms of this plant are often overlooked because of the deep purple leaves and their tiny size, but when you pay attention to them, they are a very pretty pale orchid-pink flower.
So even though it is the middle of winter and there are not that many noticible flowers in the garden, there still are some around if we just take the time to notice the wee flowers that Mother Nature is giving us.
Always Growing 
Racquel said,
December 28, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Even the teeny tiny ones deserve our undivided attention Jan. 🙂 Those are some tiny beauties!
nancybond said,
December 28, 2008 at 8:48 pm
You have a keen eye, Jan! Those are all lovely little blooms!
Chandramouli.S said,
December 29, 2008 at 3:10 am
Wow! The Olive blooms look good. I heard that it’s really difficult to grow Olive tree and you definitely got lucky! The Purple heart are so common here that even people who’re least interested in gardening have it in small pots adorning the front of their houses and they blooms incessantly even when ignored. Beautiful ones!
Randy said,
December 29, 2008 at 7:07 am
Jan, I feel you pain with those wild straberries. We have the running kind and I have yet to be able to get rid of them. The birds seem to appreciate them.
Jan said,
December 29, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Racquel, it is easier to pay attention these little gems now in when it is winter and most of the garden is still asleep. I hope I remember to look for the tiny flowers when larger ones are attracting all the attention.
Thanks, Nancy. I think I am noticing more now that I am taking pictures for blogging.
Chandramouli, the sweet olive I am growing is Osmanthus fragans. This is not a tree that produces olives, but it is easy to grow. I agree that Purple Heart is very common, but it is still a beautiful plant.
Randy, I spent a part of this morning ripping out some of the wild strawberries. They seem to take over so fast. At least, they are easy to see and remove at this time of year. Hopefully, I can get a handle on them this year.
fairegarden said,
December 29, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Hi Jan, I will say good deal on the osmanthus and bad deal on the strawberries, a scourge here also. How wonderful to have a tea olive that old, its longevity is amazing, and your dad saving it even better! I saw a bee when we returned home on the heathers, but when I went back with the camera he was gone. We will still have much cold weather so the bees need to stay safe a while longer.
Frances
Jan said,
December 29, 2008 at 9:33 pm
That old sweet olive shrub is wonderful for both the aroma and the memory of my dad. We usually get out coldest weather in January, so our little bees are going to have to watch out, too. Sounds like you had a great trip, but it is always good to be home.