Frost and Fog

At the beginning of December a few dry but chilly days gave a mysterious air to the garden, and softened the colours on the few remaining leaves and shrivelling flower heads. Maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Sarabande') has turned pale gold and contrasts well with the frosty blue leaves of my lavender hedge.



Across the front path, stems of Sedum "Autumn Joy' are a similar colour ...



... and its once-vibrant flowers look all the better for a dusting of frost.
 

Daphne 'Eternal Fragrance', which has hardly been without flowers all year long, is now taking a short break, but its tiny pink buds are still visible. An outline of frost on each leaf makes it look like a variegated variety.

Behind the house most of the perennials have retreated underground, but there are still a few green, red and gold highlights, ...

 
including the last few leaves of smoke bush (Cotinus 'Grace') still hanging on in the shelter of our pergola wall.