Helleborus x hybridus (nee orientalis)

It is beginning feels like winter is on the wane. Of course this is just an allusion as we have at least another 6 weeks to go before we break the back of winter. Still, the birds are beginning their mating calls, daffodils are thrusting through the soil at a rapid rate, and at last the Hellebore buds, which have been teasing me for weeks, are now beginning to unfurl their flower heads.

We have two large clumps of Helleborus orientalis (renamed helleborus x hybridus by the botanists) at the back of the house. They are always spoilt by the foliage, which as the year progresses becomes more leathery and spotted with black dots. This not only looks unsightly, it also spoils the beauty of the magnificent flowers. So yesterday I decided to cut them all. Now the flowers can be enjoyed!