After several days of preoccupation with pruning and planting, today’s walk around the garden yielded a nice surprise. The hellebores are blooming!

When did that happen? Went back and checked yesterday’s pictures.  As it turns out the camera captured hellebores in bloom yesterday, but their flowering status was unnoticed until today. So some time between February 14 and 19 the hellebores began their extended blooming season.

The redbud shows some winter damage, but nevertheless appears ready to put on a show in a few weeks; spirea is greening out; daffodils are forming flowers; the lemony scent of Daphne odora sends a welcome greeting as several blossoms open.