“A pretty girl is like a melody
That haunts you night and day
Just like the strain
Of a haunting refrain
She'll start upon
A marathon
And run around your brain”
~ Irving Berlin
LENTEN ROSE
(Helleborus Orientalis)
Helleborus Orientalis is the botanical name of the very popular, early blooming shade perennial more commonly known as the Lenten Rose. Lenten Roses grow hardy around the world in temperate zones 4-7. In the English speaking world they are known as the Lenten Rose but are not roses at all. They are actually of the Butter Cup family. Their flowers bloom during the Easter celebration of Lent, leading the vernal procession of color in the shady areas of thoughtful perennial gardens. When they are not in bloom they remain as lush ground cover throughout the year; and they are deer proof. This lush, hardy shade perennial is grown and prized by master gardeners throughout the world.
Comments
Kiki~
Marnie
Eileen
You lucky, lucky girl, Anna. Nothing could push through the frozen tundra here in January!
They are beauties, aren't they, Kala! My daffs are popping here too and if it wasn't pouring rain, I'd be outside shooting!
Thank you Rick ... these were shot inside for colorful muted background :)
Exactly, Edith, and why I posted another shot of these beauties. So hard to say goodbye plus, still available in local nurseries, hope others will include them in their spring gardens.
Thanks, dear Kiki, glad you enjoyed. Heavy rain today, which is OK for me and the garden :)
Quite OK, Rose, since this means you will be enjoying them longer. Thanks and also for the timely piece posted on your site.
Thanks Rosey ... they seemed to fit except now I can't get the crazy song out of my head!
Hi Marnie. I hope you do. They are still in all of our local nurseries ... trust me, you won't be disappointed!
Agree, they are pricey, Eileen, but so worth the investment. The gardening community seems to be Helleborus 'crazed' ... they are everywhere in the local nurseries. Last November, our garden club guest speaker highlighted them in stunning holiday arrangements.
They are indeed sweet faces, Dee, and I did not know that blossoms turn green after fertilized. Hum ... you are a wise woman! Do hope your garden 'springs back' after the hail storm.
Boo hoo, no bloodroot yet, Shady, but the rest of my flowers/wildflowers are popping big time! Last year Mr. Ho-Hum's back was so bad we had to have help edging ... I know I lost several treasures in the process. Now, if the rain would only stop I might find them. You are a dear ... I would never sneak anything from your garden but it would be a gift to someday visit it beside you.
Frances
It's the color I love, Gail. Delighted they are so happy in your garden. (But then who wouldn't be!)
Totally agree, Frances, and why I featured them twice, tweaking others to join in on the love affair! Berlin was indeed a genius but let's hope this song doesn't stick in your head all day :)
donna
Good for you, Donna! I'll look forward to seeing your photos next spring!