In the grayness of winter, I declare that no flowers of hellebores are ugly or anything less than splendid. Still, the gardener must recognize the remarkable efforts of breeders who have introduced so many marvelous variations.

I continue my devotion to hellebores planted many years ago and to the many seedlings that have been transplanted through this shaded garden. But, the beauty of newer introductions encourages my outrageous spending each new year.

I apologize that I recall only a fraction of the names of the garden’s hellebores. I suggest shopping in late winter while flowers are at their peak in the local garden center. Hellebores are a bit pricey, but in part sun to shade and any but damp soil, they are tough and long lived.

If you refuse to go outdoors in the winter cold, you’re excused, but one hellebore or many are good reason to get outdoors to enjoy the garden through much of the winter.