Hellebores generally make an appearance on 365 at this time of the year, and deservedly so. It is a delight to me to have these wonderful cheery and almost gaudy blooms gracing an otherwise green, brown and almost bare border, the first proper bloom of the New Year, even ahead of snowdrops. Surprisingly they are an almost secretive flower, choosing to hide amongst the large green leaves that grow from the base of the plant along with the blooms, the flowers appearing as buds at the very base of the leaves, and barely emerging above the green foliage. It is the gardener that allows them to display, cutting back and removing the leaves to allow the flowers to bask in the winter sunshine for pleasure of anyone passing by.
