Viburnum Tinus

This Viburnum tinus I found growing on a North Welsh hillside earlier in the month. William Marshall, in Planting and Ornamental Gardening (1785) wrote of it: “In spite of all the weather that may happen; and the boldness of these buds, at a time when other flowers shrink under oppressive cold, is a matter of wonder and pleasure”.

Any old bush may summon a flower bud, but not many can do so while the air is still cool, the sun callow and the ground hard. Smiling and praising God we all do in the sunshine when life is good, but who can praise Him and still smile in the dark winter or treacherous spring?

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Ps. 23:4)

In heavenly love abiding,

No change my heart shall fear;

And safe is such confiding,

For nothing changes here;

The storm may roar without me,

My heart may low be laid,

But God is round about me,

And can I be dismayed?

-Anna Letitia Waring (1850)