An early sign of spring?

Very foggy first thing this morning and bitterly cold.  The fog slowly cleared during the morning, but it got no warmer.  Looking in the garden for a subject for this week's AYWMC project (see extra)  when I noticed the buds on the Camellia bush were beginning to open, I hope it is not too early.
The AYWMC project this week is to take the same photograph with a large F number and with a small one to test how a large or small aperture affects the depth of field.  I have had a go, but need a lot more practice.