Hell-eborus

Nothing ominous about these plants, except that Helleborus always conjures up Cerberus in my crazy mind. These flowers are the stars of the garden today, and are quite instrumental in cheering me up and proving that it's finally spring. Several varieties are in flower now; sadly a few others got knocked back by the long cold wet winter and I can only hope to see their flowers next spring.

Helleborus x hybridus 'Jade Tiger'

Helleborus x ericsmithii 'Pirouette'

Helleborus x hybridus, a purple-black variety from Heronswood, with
Helleborus orientalis 'Klondike Gold' just above and behind it

 Helleborus orientalis 'Mardi Gras Double'