January is too soon to expect to see any of the early Spring bulbs to flower, but this can’t be said about Lenten roses (Helleborus). After the snow melt last week, a few buds emerged under its leathery dark green leaves from one of my plants in our side garden. A few flowers had started to open while all others were tucked low with their five petals clamped shut not wanting to separate from the ground or expose their delicate pistils and stamens. Hellebores get their more common name of Lenten rose from its early bloom in February, which can happen even in New England. Other related cultivars were not being fooled as their buds were solidly hidden in the soil though one had a cluster of cream-colored buds half-hidden in the center of large, splayed out appendages. While they are hardy in the coldest of weather, they sense that it is too early to expose themselves to the elements.
Last year’s leaves are divided between those mostly black and desiccated and those that appear as a fresher sample. Its slightly toothed leaf rests on the ground now, battered by time and the snow. Looking about I see no evidence of other plants wanting to make an early display though the blanket of evergreen periwinkle (Vinca) looks as lively today as in the Summer. Only the shriveled spores on fern fronts (Tracheophyta) and dried, bleached white flowers of a nearby oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) indicate that it will be quite a while before they emerge in a much fresher version.
