January 2020 in the Northern Hemisphere

[Leena]

This has been so unusually warm January, about 10°C warmer than average, and there is no snow yet. Ground has frozen, then melted again in rain, and today it has been below freezing again. Snowdrops are coming up, though some are still waiting which is good. Helleborus buds are swelling, and besides some H.niger, this one grown from seeds I got from Nicole some years ago, is most advanced. It was labeled 'Early Purple' and it really is early. I hope it doesn't get too damaged if/when cold comes in February.

[fleurbleue]

Happy you  have got early flowers with it Leena, it was open pollinated in my garden 

[Yann]

Maybe these are kidding me that they're not really sunshine!

They're gold David 

[Steve Garvie]

Some interesting things are starting to flower in a shaded frame:

Helleborus thibetanus -both white and pale pink clones.





Eranthis sibirica -stellata is only just breaking through.



Eranthis pinnatifida

[Carolyn]

 All beautiful, Steve, but especially the pink veining on Helleborus thibetanus. I bought thibetanus last year at the Hexham show and rashly decided to plant it in a nice sheltered spot under a large bush. Needless to say, there is no sign of it this year. I expect the slugs enjoyed it!

[Carolyn]

I went to look for my Hellebores thibetanus today, and was pleased to discover a new shoot. The slugs have not eaten it(yet)!