They rise up from the Winter soil, from the depths of the darkness. In the bitter coldness and between the gaps in the rain, there are rays of fleeting sun which illuminate these jewels. Partial to some shade, you will also find them amongst the woodland shadows and mossy floors. Their gently nodding heads come in a whole array of colours and shapes; dusky hues, opulent wines, deep sultry purples, double petalled frills, speckles, luminous yellows, chartreuse greens, pink and apricot blushes.

Hellebores don’t like to have their roots disturbed. So far I’ve planted them in the front and cabin borders. It’s difficult to resist their charm, but I’ve held off on collecting whilst the remainder of the garden is under construction.