The first camellia to bloom in my garden is Camellia sinensis, the Tea Plant.

No big drumroll for it is not the showiest, but then neither are crocuses, yet we delight to see them.

 This plant is my introduction to the Camellia Season, and yes, this is the plant from which tea is made.

Fast on its heels is Camellia sasanqua ‘Sparkling Burgundy’. 

 Camellias and hydrangeas have the same cultural requirements; below, another  good reason to plant them in close proximity.

This was taken in the ‘Circle of Friends’ so you can see this area is really non-stop beautiful throughout the year.

A bit blurry, but you get the idea.

 BTW my Camellia sinensis has provenance. It was gifted to me from Penny McHenry but it was a seedling from the garden of Martha Tate.