Ah, the sweet ambrosia of early spring.... the scent of the thawing earth thick in my nose, the first glimpses of emerging crocus fighting their way through the melting snow, stolen afternoon moments in the sweet warmth of the sun....

With the spring equinox just around the corner, the garden floor is quivering with life waiting to "spring forth" and greet the new season. Everyday I track the progress of my snowdrops, crocus and daffodils steadily pushing their way out of the frozen soil to cheer winter-weary onlookers. The forsythia in the back border is beginning to grow heavy and fertile with this year's feature presentation of yellow brilliance. As much as I enjoy every aspect of my awakening garden, my early spring heart belongs to one plant alone.... the Helleborus orientalis, or Lenten Rose.

Lenten Rose occupies a shady spot of my garden, planted close to a garden wall so she can be easily admired. The dark green leathery leaves survive the winter in almost unspoiled condition. Weather depending, as soon as the snow melts a bit and the soil warms up a degree or two, Helleborus gets busy producing her heart-capturing saucer shaped flowers. Many hybrids are available thanks to extensive breeding from some of Helleborus' biggest fans. Lenten Rose is available in deep purple-black, blushing mauve, pale ivory green, buttery yellow... most cultivars boast a sweet speckling of spots in the center of the flower.

Helleborus has remained one of my favorite parts of spring.... she deserves a place in every garden, and in every gardener's heart.....