Helleborus orientalis, 0r one of its hybrids

Thank you for all the good wishes on my anniversary yesterday. I will try to thank you personally tomorrow, as it won't happen today.

I managed to get out in the sun today, despite the cold wind, and hoped the sun would be high enough for its rays to illuminate the hellebores in the front garden. They are looking a bit ravaged by the wintry weeks we've had recently. They were cut back a bit too enthusiastically in the autumn and lost a lot of their leaves. But the flowers have come through and are giving some beautiful rich colour to a rather dark and shady area.

The snowdrops are also thriving, whilst a few leaves of tulips and other bulbs are poking their noses through the soil. Spring isn't far away thankfully. I can't wait for balmy days and the explosion of new life in the garden.