Late cyclamens, home

The hardy cyclamens in our garden have certainly lived up to their name. While it's certainly been way warmer than normal around here, we've also had several significant deep and murderous frosts, and I haven't seen a late aster or goldenrod blossom, which typically bring up the rear of the flowering season, in weeks. But in a little patch of vegetable garden, where I dug in what was supposed to be a temporary bed for the cyclamens until I found a more appropriate permanent spot—I'm still looking (this phrase may be the story of my life... and appropriate words for my gravestone)—the hardy little plants continue to delight the eye. Their variegated leaves are wonderful to behold, and the "shooting star" type flowers, today jeweled with mist, are better at lifting "Seasonal Affective Disorder"—or any species of depression—than lights, medication, or therapy. There's no real cold in the long range forecast, so the cyclamens may be able to do their good work for days to come, perhaps even into the new year.