Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
After some very cold days this week with lows around 26 and highs in the 40s, today feels much more moderate, overcast with high of 65. Despite the cold spell Daphne odora (Winter daphne) still scents the air deliciously but the foliage has yellowed a bit. There are two Daphnes planted in front of the house. A variegated one, Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata,’ succumbed suddenly a couple of years ago.
Daphne odora (Winter daphne)
More hellebores are opening around the garden. Some I bought and planted 18 years ago, some were a gift from garden club friend, Vicki, about 2006. In February 2016 I added a few more specialty ones from Pine Knot Farms in Virginia that seem to open later.
Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
Helleborus x hybridus (Lenten rose)
Daffodils are primed, cautiously holding back. Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) is waking.
Narcissus With Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft)
pbmGarden 
So nice to see your garden waking up, Susie; let’s hope the worst of winter is behind you!
Thanks Eliza, spring seems eager but too early. February ice storms here are not uncommon.
Winter garden looking wonderful.. Daphne’s so touchy..
Thanks. It suddenly feels like spring is breaking through. Too early to trust.
To say I’m envious of the Daphne would be a gross understatement. I’m envious of the hellebores too and have been complaining here and there about how we don’t ever see any until spring but today I caught sight of one suddenly loaded with buds. My garden follows its own mysterious rules.
Your hellebores heard you call! The Daphne has made me happy. It smells so nice.
Oh my goodness, but it’s a beautiful day in your neighborhood. The hellebores are stunning, and your photography skills are showing because those are great shots.
Thank you very much Judy. New iPhone!
Beautiful!
Thanks Maddy.
Your daphne and hellebores are beautiful. One of my Daphnes suddenly died a few years ago, I wonder why they do that?! I don’t think you can have too many hellebores, I am always tempted to buy new ones when I see them for sale, they are so good for any bees that have woken up early!
Daphne does have that reputation Pauline of giving out suddenly. I was told it’s because the roots have started growing around itself if not enough space to spread, but that doesn’t seem an adequate explanation. More hellebores, yes!
Here Daphne odora ‘Auroemarginata’ is hardier than plain Daphne odora. But all daphnes suffer sudden death. Yours is a magnificent specimen, what a joy. And your hellebores too. They are just starting here and will look good until early April.
Thanks. I should give Daphne odora ‘Auroemarginata’ another try.
I was just about to say that. I am sorry I did not see this a month ago. I used to grow daphne on the farm. Even though it does not do well here, many of our clients really wanted it. I just wrote about it for Tuesday. Anyway, they can dies suddenly after about five years, and rarely live more than ten years.
I know they do suffer from sudden death. I have a new daphne called ‘Perfume Princess’ which looks very promising.
Only a few years ago, there were not many cultivars. Just getting a Daphne odora that was not variegate was not easy. These new cultivars are intriguing.
What a nice daphne, I can only imagine how nice that smells!
You are so far along, it really looks like you’re on the cusp of spring. How exciting! I hope it’s a great gardening season.
Thanks, hope spring isn’t fooled into rushing in too early.
I think you live in the sweet spot for gardening.
Oh, maybe you’re right. I’ve only ever lived in NC. Zone 7 became 7B a few years back.
Hellebores are so beautiful!
Yes, I agree. Itching to get a few more exotic colors. I had a black/purple one that bloomed only once. Must look for it again.
Lovely. The Hellebores look so fresh. I tell myself that we are heading into the last month of deep winter.
Thanks. You’ve probably had more “winter” than we have in NC. Cherry trees blooming in town here and early sign of spring, but I can’t believe winter is done.