A close-up look at the Hellebores in our garden.

Post author By greenbenchramblings
Post date April 8, 2013
15 Comments on A close-up look at the Hellebores in our garden.

Hellebores never fail to amaze. They flower early and continue in bloom for a long time. They present an unusual range of colours and markings on their petals which can vary in shape. We tend to choose reds and purples, plain and spotted and whites and creams mostly plain.

Let us start by venturing out into the borders armed with flower trug and secateurs, ignoring the chill in the air and nipping off a collection of flowers in a variety of colours.

The individuality of each is best appreciated by displaying them floating in a shallow bowl of water.

Now for a real challenge – looking closely and trying to show their character in water colours. I have chosen the deepest blue-mauve, the yellow-green and the pale yellow with purple streaks.

Tags garden photography, gardening, hellebores, sketch pad, winter gardens

By greenbenchramblings

A retired primary school head teacher, I now spend much of my time gardening in our quarter acre plot in rural Shropshire south of Shrewsbury. I share my garden with Jude my wife a newly retired teacher , eight assorted chickens and a plethora of wildlife. Jude does all the heavy work as I have a damaged spine and right leg. We also garden on an allotment nearby. We are interested in all things related to gardens, green issues and wildlife.

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15 replies on “A close-up look at the Hellebores in our garden.”

Love them best in the basket and in your sketchbook Malc!!

Many�thanks, Margie.

Aren’t they such wonderful flowers. Every year they seem to get better end better.

Malc

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Well done on the drawings. They look charming in the basket and elegant in the dish.

Thanks for the comments. We have been building up our collection of Hellebores for a few years now and this year we suddenly think we have got there. We enjoy them so much. Malc

I have always had a soft spot for watercolors as a form of expression. I really enjoyed your art, thank you for sharing.

Many thanks for your kind comments. I enjoy the gentle art of painting and to know others gain pleasure from seeing the finished articles gives an added bonus. Malc

Okay, now you’re showing off. You’re a great photographer, wonderful gardener, AND you paint with watercolors. Just kidding – I took a watercolor class and was a total failure. I’m impressed. 🙂

Cheers Judy. Getting back to watercolours was my challenge for 2013. I have started with plants and when I am brave enough I am going to tackle birds again. I haven’t tried painting them for years. One of these days I hope to suddenly feel up to the challenge. Malc

Your Helleborus are beautiful and so are your paintings. You are so talented.

Many thanks for your comments. I am particularly pleased you like my paintings as I found these a difficult subject. Malc

Malc, your sketches are engaging. I enjoy your interpretations of a late winter treat that stays throughout early Spring. I like that you deconstructed the flowers, which are glorious but even I cannot help to record them.