Lenten Roses

Hellebores, also called Lenten Roses, are not roses.  And they don't always bloom only during Lent.  Mine start blooming in February and usually go into May.  Lent only seems like it's that long.  But here is a glamour shot of my Lenten Roses, whose blooms have opened during this warm week.

It is said that the cultivation of hellebores signifies that one is a mature gardener.  Certainly I tried a number of other plants in the place where my hellebores now grow profusely - I tried and failed at at least four or five other ideas in this spot under a crepe myrtle tree on a slope.  Finally, without expecting much, I bought three Lenten Rose plants and within three or four years, they spread all the way down the slope and are in danger of taking over places I don't want them to be.  The blooming season is exceptionally long.  They are wonderful plants; I'm happy that I matured enough as a gardener to finally come around to them.

During this beautiful warm spell we've been having, it's hard to remember that Lent is coming.  I have done nothing to prepare for Lent.  But my lovely hellebores remember, and, unlike me, they are ready.