After the Snow

After the series of snowstorms, each attempting to slow down the movement toward spring, comes hope. 

Here is Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Winter's Bliss', the earliest variety of these late winter blooming wonders.  This is just one of the two clusters of buds that have bravely raised themselves through the snow.  It's has a close cousin that may also have pushed up buds, but it lives in a heavily shaded place that the sun cannot penetrate, with several inches of snow over it.

The other varieties of Hellebores are quietly waiting in the wings with no flower buds.  Soon I will need to trim off all last years leaves so that the flowers are easy to spot.

But for now, Winter's Bliss is front and center, ready for her close-up.