My first seedlings of 2009.

From the trays of seeds I sowed on January 1st, only one is sporting newly germinated seedlings. This photograph was taken about a week ago, so it took them roughly 18 days to germinate. The seedlings are Sweet Alyssum, an annual that has many uses. It's mostly used for edging paths and borders and is also a good filler plant in containers and hanging baskets. It's not a showy plant but is wonderfully sweet-scented. I've often walked down the garden on a still Summer's day and wondered what the beautiful scent was that filled the air. Looking for something exotic, only the little alyssum was present. It's humble appearance belies its sweet perfume.

Alyssum

As usual I was being over optimistic in setting so many seeds away early in January. Although we have a paraffin heater in the greenhouse, it is only enough to keep it frost-free. It's still really cold, suited only to the hardiest of plants. However, perhaps February will see signs of life appear in the remaining seed trays.