I must confess that I am not a snow lover but some white stuff is more than welcome in the garden.
Yesterday Martyn posted about the snowdrops which are almost ready to burst into flower under the magnolia tree. Despite last year's freezing winter and this year's relatively mild start to winter their flower clock is keeping good time. From previous photos, we noted that the snowdrops are at exactly the same stage as they were last year - give or take the odd day!
I love it when the first snowdrops are visible - it's a symbolic sticking out of the tongue to winter!
Yesterday we didn't see much sunshine but for the short while that we did the hellebore nigers (or should that be hellebores niger?) on our designated blue and white border just shone!
Being hidden under a layer of snow doesn't seem to have done them too much damage!
This one smiled up at me but the other plant was a little sulky and had turned its faces away from me towards the fence! It obviously didn't like the snow either!
On another note:
I had an email from Stafford Sports College asking for support with a planned memorial garden. Too far away from me but if anyone is near and would like to offer help then read my post here
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Looks as if those Hellebores should be called "Alba" not "Niger".
ReplyDeleteIt has lots of names Mark, One is the black rose - it isn't a rose and it isn't black but apparently the name refers to its black roots.
DeleteIt's also called the Christmas rose but doesn't flower at Christmas either!
In a fit of anxious parenting I pulled out all of our hellebores. I really must replace them.
ReplyDeleteMmm there are just so many plants deemed poisonous aren't there Liz? It's easy to become anxious
DeleteYes, some white is more welcome than other white. Believe it or not, we've still got snow here, and that's definitely outstaying it's welcome.
ReplyDeleteI believe it Jo - I'm just back from my sister's in Rothwell and there is still some snow there. Are you north Leeds/
DeleteLovely aren't they and so robust to withstand our bitter weather. A friend gave me a little hellebore plant but it did not flower the first year, now its got flowers coming through (green) but they have not opened yet. Will post a pic when they do.
ReplyDeleteOne was were actually flowering when I bought it Deb. The other bought this year had small buds.
ReplyDeleteIf snowdrops were to try to sass winter here, I'm afraid the results would be grisly. Winter is mean and doesn't take any guff from plants until late April at the very earliest. Which is sad for the Last Frontier Gardener. I need a little more plant sass in my cold, snowy life.
ReplyDeleteChristine B. in Alaska, no snowdrops, hellebores, anything
But you do have bears and we only have hedgehogs!
DeleteReally pretty hellebore photo. Yeah, like Mark, I would think alba as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is a strange name which was why I looked up why it was called niger!
DeleteI love the white stuff! The fluffy one that falls from the sky - not that I get this here any more. And the white stuff that announce spring. It's such a cheerful sight! :))
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to love when you don't get any. A day of it looking pretty is fine - then it turns to slush and ice and we can't get to where we want to be easily!
DeleteI saw a really pretty pale pink one today at a garden centre which might find its way into my shopping basket.
ReplyDeleteGo for it Elaine - you know it makes sense
DeleteGreat photo Sue! I love those cheerful blooms and they don't look bothered by the snow a bit! Hoping things are thawing out for you! Cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteThe snow has almost disappeared but it's freezing cold Jenni
DeleteSuch a hardy plant! They look lovely too! I never experince winter before......
ReplyDeleteI din't really think I'd miss it if it didn't appear Malar. Maybe just a quick blast to kill off some garden bugs then spring - that would be good. Then again if we didn't have winter maybe we wouldn't have a spring and that I would miss!
DeleteVery pretty and welcoming in winter. Have a nice day! Its time for me to sleep here;-).
ReplyDeleteI was asleep at 2:30 a.m. Diana which was the time stamp for me on your comment
ReplyDeleteI'm in East Leeds, Sue, Garforth.
ReplyDelete