This year I acquired a camellia, and not just any camellia, but Camellia japonica, the kind that I have long coveted in greenhouses and other high-toned, enclosed locales. Where does my camellia live? Outdoors in the middle of my back garden—not exactly a “protected place.” Now, in the beginning of December, the camellia has fat buds on it. These buds have formed despite a hurricane that brought 90 mile per hour winds and a subsequent early snowstorm. I am not about to sacrifice them now, so later today I will go out and drag the big pot to a protected place near the house. I am hoping to see camellia blossoms by Christmas.