Hellebores

At the moment, we are all looking up, scrutinizing the trees, looking for flowery bursts of pink and white on the branches of cherries and magnolias. At the base of those trees, in the dappled sunlight, hellebores are blooming. Dressed in tasteful woodland hues of dusty rose and creamy yellow, green creeps all the way up around the outer petals. The buds nod modestly earthward. They do not shout their presence. When the buds open, it is obvious why they are known as the Lenten Rose. So look closely among the fallen leaves. Enjoy the quieter party that is taking place in small crowds, right at your feet.