More Hellebores, Please

The Hellebores are blooming late this year, but the show is exceptional.

While I'm moving more in the direction of adding and encouraging native plants, I do make a few exceptions. I honestly don't have "favorite" plants, but there are oh, so many reasons I'll always want Hellebores in my garden: They thrive in shade, they're hardy to zone 4 or 5, they bloom early, they're rabbit-resistant, the list goes on.... But mainly they're simply beautiful.

Originally, Hellebores were native to parts of Europe and Asia, but the hybrids are now cultivated in gardens around the world.

I only have a few, but they're all Helleborus orientalis hybrids. (Early on, these hybrids weren't reliably named, but each is unique. One nickname for the group is Lenten Rose.) The first few, which I added many years ago, return reliably each spring.





This wine-colored beauty has perfect form.



As does this deeply veined variety, which was the first hybrid I added to the garden.



It's almost as dreamy from the top.



But flipping it over reveals the magic of its sepals, stamens, carpels, and nectaries.



This sweet little cream-colored hybrid has been in the garden for several years, but this is the first year it's bloomed...almost.



It's diminutive and delicate, and I can't wait to see more.

Hellebores often bloom in March in Southern Wisconsin, but this year we didn't have reliably decent weather until recently. I covered these guys during our late ice and snowstorms (just two weeks ago!) to preserve the blooms. I'm glad I did for a better show now.



I can't seem to get enough of these lovelies. I recently purchased two more unique Hellebore hybrids, and I look forward to adding them to the garden.

Persistence

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(Congratulations to the winners of my recent book drawing. Shirley at Rock-Oak-Deer won a copy of "Shakespeare's Gardens," and Carla at The River won a copy of "Vegetables Love Flowers." Thanks to all who participated.)

It's always colder (and hotter) somewhere else

Quick: Which U.S. state has the most extreme temperatures?

It's not Wisconsin or Minnesota, or Arizona or Vermont (I just picked those states randomly, by the way). Those states rank #13, #8, #14, and #23, respectively, according to The Weather Channel.

You might be surprised to know that the #1, #2, and #3 top U.S. swing temperature states are Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota, in that order. So if you live in one of those states, congratulations! Your state has the most extreme ranges of recorded temperatures.

To find out where your state ranks, check the list here: Swing States: America's Most Extreme Temperature Ranges. These are listed in Fahrenheit. If you live in other countries, what are your temperature ranges?

Of course, the "extremes" only tell part of the story. There's dry heat, and then there's humidity. And anyone who has experienced 108F in Phoenix, Ariz., vs. 108F in Branson, Mo., knows Branson feels worse (although persperation is a healthy thing, I guess).

On the other end of the spectrum, once you get below about -10F, it's too cold for humans and other creatures to spend time outside without the shelter of a warm bush, a snow-covered overhang, or a toasty warm house! And windchills add even more danger to the situation.

For those of you who aren't aware, much of the U.S. is experiencing an arctic blast, with freezing temperatures stretching far into the deep south. In my area, the forecasted high for Monday is -13F, with the low down to -20F, and a windchill in the -50sF. We haven't seen temperatures that cold for at least a decade.

But it's always colder and hotter somewhere else. As brutal as it is today, it's only temporary. On the weekend, we'll be back up above freezing (32F). That will feel like springtime! Maybe I'll even venture outside with my camera!

If it's cold, or snowy, or hot, or dangerous where you live, stay safe! And do, please, share your brutal weather stories in the comments.

*Added 1.6.14: Check out this link for Incredible Temperature Swings in One Day.

Twelve of my favorite things

Reflecting on the past year, I realized I tend to "wish away" the colder months in my northern climate.

That's not a healthy way to live.

Time marches on too quickly, no matter what the season.

To change my attitude, I decided to create a list of my favorite outdoor "things"--one per month--so I'll have something tangible to look forward to in each season. Selections for some months were easier, because true favorites came to mind. Others were tough--either because I prefer to stay indoors (January, February), or because there are too many favorite things (May-August).

Sometimes the transition months are the toughest emotionally--especially late August through September.

So here's my list. These favorites might change from year-to-year, but they're some of the highlights that will help me savor each month in the year ahead and avoid wishing away the days.



January is brutal here. But even on the coldest days (-20F/-28C), when most creatures are hiding under cover, the dark-eyed juncos still make an appearance and are very fun to watch.



Nothing beats the winter blahs like a walk to the lake to see fascinating ice formations. Sunny, "mild" days are the best.



Much of March is still wintry here, but under the snow and leaf mulch, the Hellebores are budding. Their emergence (late March or early April) is as miraculous as their full blooms.



April is a variable month in Wisconsin. It might be snowing one day, and 80F two days later. Often, the Star Magnolias bloom in April.



There is no earthly place more beautiful than southern Wisconsin in May. Since I had to pick a favorite, I chose Trilliums. But May overflows with incredible spring ephemerals.



And then the Roses bloom! I have very few in my garden, but June is the peak of their beauty here. I could spend hours gazing at a single Rose, even when it isn't perfect.



I made a slight exception in July. I chose a summer collection of flowers blooming alongside the vegetables in my potager as one favorite bouquet. The pollinators love them, too.



In August, I can have as many BLT sandwiches with fresh Tomatoes as I want. Need I say more?



September is a transition month, and is often difficult for me. Fortunately, the hummingbirds are especially active as they prepare for and begin their migration. Definitely something to look forward to.



In early October, the monarchs are still migrating through the area. As the Maple and Oak leaves change to red and orange, they mix with monarchs floating down from the heavens.



What can I say about November? Not a favorite month, although there's always so much to be thankful for--including Mosses. If you look closely, they're truly incredible!



December is uncomfortable in this climate, although stunningly beautiful with a fresh snowfall. Snow or no snow, the winter berries always add color to the landscape.

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When I think of these simple pleasures, and many more, the year ahead looks bright and hopeful. Each month carries its own unique blessings.

My wish for you in the year ahead is that you will find many simple pleasures and gifts that will bring you much joy.

Happy New Year!