The Garden In February

        Is there anything to get excited about in the garden this month? If you look carefully, yes. While taking down my outdoor holiday lights, I wandered over to the little bed encircling a large locust tree in the front yard. Under cover of a slightly ratty umbrella of old leaves, Hellebore hid fat flower buds. Later, heading to the mailbox on a warmer day, I spied the tips of crocus leaves. Snowdrops can't be far behind. During a season when any day over 32 degrees F feels balmy, these small signs of the tenacious life in the garden bring me hope and joy. 

Flower of the month: Primrose

Hellebore photo by Ellen Fury