Lenten Rose - Helleborus orientalis; FF9_2018

A promising sign Spring and Lent - a little later than the Christmas rose and it comes in a variety of colours.

Pretty but poisonous ... or medicinal, depending how it's used.  Apparently Alexandra the Great died of an overdose - due to the betrayal of his treacherous royal cupbearer.  On the other hand, the daughters of King Midas were said to have been cured of madness having been administered with a medicinal dose of hellebores.

I love the way it brightens up the garden at this time of year in any event!