Nature: Lenten Roses & Signs of Spring

  

You know, I never took notice of these flowers until last spring. I've been assured by family members that they do grow in other places that I've lived. I wonder if like the traditional roses in Portland, Lenten Roses (also known as Hellebore) are planted with great frequency around town to help us maintain our claim to the title "Rose City" during the off season. These were in patch on the edge of the Rose Test Garden in Washington Park which included five or six lovely color variations. I'd have more pictures, but it was that very wet day I mentioned in my last post. Anyway, the garden is currently pretty empty of real roses, but it does make me smile to see thorny little bushes covered in moss. 

  

A couple of signs spring is coming soon on my way up to the park. Crocuses starting grow, and I think this mossy tree base is my favorite setting I've ever seen for their blooms. Witchhazel! What a weird looking plant. And a little chickadee was having luck finding grubs in that Hellebore patch. He didn't really mind my presence once I was crouch down and focused on picture taking. He had other things to do!