The first made me smile because the snow is adding an extra layer of variegation to the reddish and cream edges of these green leaves.
I had a little scramble to get down to the ice. The array of forms was quite a surprise. One bit reminded me of candles formed with two on a string; another of a bird’s nest. There were fingers of ice, ice horns, giant pearls and ice slugs. I dare not go closer as I didn’t fancy the idea of falling in and walking home with icicles forming in similar fashion on me.
My final pictures were taken earlier in the winter. I doubt these bergenia leaves are looking as fresh now. I loved their blush, their powdery covering of snow and how perky they were.
In contrast, this flower had an I never expected it to be this way look that resonates at the moment.
But I’m leaving you with a glimpse inside a heavily accessorised, cobbled back yard. It’s interesting how the snow has made patterns here, as if wanting to join in with the fun.
Susan Rushton 
Oh, it was worth getting a bit chilly to get these images – wasn’t it?
It was.
A good set. At least the snow benefits photography 🙂
I think so too.
What great photos! I love the one of the ice, and I’m glad you didn’t get too close; I’d agree that ice as personal adornment is ill advised. But everything in your images wears winter well. That lone flower does indeed seem to have been taken by surprise and seems to speak to the time. I hope you didn’t get as cold as it appears you might have!
I wrap up well – too well, sometimes. There are few places you can go around my town without climbing a hill.
I do think snow and ice add a lovely dimension to plant life! 🙂
It took me surprise when I learned that snow insulates plants. I suppose it’s a bit like a natural igloo.
The common name in Michigan for the first plant is “snow-on-the-mountain.” I toured England/Scotland in January one or two times and was surprised to see a few lingering hardy flowers and some roses in window wells in London.
There are still a few roses here but they’re all looking very sorry for themselves.
As they have right to be. It just isn’t fair. 🙂
Nice winter impressions and some beautiful color palettes.
Thank you!
Wonderful pictures of ice and snow! Glad you didn’t fall in taking those icy picture. Your description of the shapes was perfect.
I was pretty cautious. Having a zoom lens would make things easier!
That’s a fun backyard. There’s one in our village filled with skeletons, gnomes, giant toadstools and the like. Sadly, we had no snow here to tone it down! Still entertaining to view it though! PS I think that those icicles look like dipped candle tapers.
It seems like every neighbourhood worth its salt has something along similar lines. I agree with you about the candles.
Pretty captures, Susan. Looks like it has been super cold there– ice like that takes a few days to form. Is that usual for your winters or is this weather an anomaly?
I did not know it took a few days to form and have been looking with new eyes after your comment. I’d say that we’ve had many more days with snow on the ground than I remember, but I do remember having deeper snow a few times when I was younger and it has sometimes been colder. One of many dangers of climate change for the UK is a weakening North Atlantic drift.
I know, that current affects a lot of weather and it is worrisome that it may be weakening. The loss of Arctic sea ice is messing with everything. I’m afraid that genie will be tough to get back into the bottle. 😦
I’m afraid so too.
The snow gives the plants a new dimension
I always look for colour against the snow, but at this time of the year it’s not easy to find.
“One bit reminded me of candles formed with two on a string; another of a bird’s nest. There were fingers of ice, ice horns, giant pearls and ice slugs.”
❤ Love it.
An engineer might look at them and know how they formed but my mind just marvels.
It’s so nice to see a flower under snow. I love ice. Always so beautiful.
The news from overseas is reminding us that a little of something is often nicer than a lot.