At least once a year we like to feature hellebores. The above specimen was a gift from our friend Anita Shaver who is very knowledgable of growing and transplanting them. Given they are known as Lenten roses, hellebores seem so appropriate to feature since yesterday was the beginning of the Lenten season. These cousins of the buttercup grow well in Greensboro, especially under deciduous trees where they get good light when leaves are gone and are protected from the burning sun of summer. Local garden shops and farmers markets sell them, thanks to the fact that Janice Nicholson at Gethsemane Gardens. Janice grows stunning hellebores and has contributed significantly their popularity in Greensboro. Her nursery is located on Highway 150, just east of Church Street. This time of year, the flowers are at peak. You can call the nursery for an appointment to purchase some (336-656-3096). You can also follow them on Facebook at Gethsemane Gardens & Nursery or at www.gethgardens.com. It takes 3-4 years for a hellebore to mature sufficiently from seed and, as the Nicholson family will tell you, it is well worth the wait.
If you want to read a really great human interest story about Janice Nicholson, Gethsemane Gardens, and Greensboro's relationship with hellebores, read Maria Johnson's article from about 19 years ago (HERE). If we do have ice when we wake, today's photo will remind us of the beauty that lurks beneath it all. If the ice bypasses Greensboro, we'll head out to purchase some new varieties of hellebores!
They are quite pretty!
Posted by: William Kendall | Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 06:09 AM