The Package in the Mail Was for Me For a Change!

Jan, at Thanks for 2 Day, had a drawing for a book, and I won!  Jan is one of the first friends I made in blogging.  I remember checking out her blog because I liked the title of it.  I always enjoy her photos of the birds and blooms in her area.  Thanks, Jan!

I don't normally enter drawings, but since it was this book, I decided to go for it!

I had to include the photo from the introduction showing the frost on the budding plants.  That's the kind of plant we need around here!

This book does what it says on the back!  When it says it's a guide to growing hellebores, it means it, from seeds, soils, siting, care, possible diseases and pests, etc.  I love it!

These photos of my first and only (so far) hellebore, Party Dress Improved were taken a few days ago.  We've had some nights in the 20s, which I know is OK for established plants, but this one seems to be taking it in stride.  It is on the south side of the house, with a tree on the south to provide some shade.  If you enlarge this, you'll see the astilbe I thought didn't make it last year is coming up.  I think I have another spot for it, because it's too close to the hellebore.

When I bought the plant, I asked about taking the flowers off so the energy can go to the roots, but was told I didn't need to.  I also read that deadheading doesn't bring on more blooms, so I think I'll see if I get any seeds.

This one is still pretty, and there is one little bud, so maybe it's not finished blooming for the season.

Thanks again, Jan!