Hellebores 4 February 2026

 The hellebores ( I can only name three of them) are middle top, Helleborus 'Wedding Crasher', right, niddle yellow, Helleborus 'Wedding Crasher' and bottom right, Helleborus 'Honeymoon Blue'.

 

Camellia x williamsii 'Donation' - 4 February 2026

 My garden that until five years ago used to be our garden is a constant repository of memories of Rosemary that I cannot escape and do not want to escape. If she is not going to be around in bodily form, being with her memories in my head is a distant second best.

Today it was an overwhelming delight of flowers that when nothing blooms in February were out in force. There were five of her hellebores and her most favourite camellia, Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation. This camellia came from our old garden in Kerrisdale.

Because I was a sort of second-best kind of gardener it was Rosemary who insisted something interesting should be noticed all year, even in cold winter months.

Hellebores are not difficult to grow. You do not have to fuss over them as I might with my old roses.

There is one unfortunate fact. I have plant labels for only three of the five hellebores. At one time I would have been most upset. Now I realize that just enjoying them and having some to scan is all I need on a sunny Wednesday evening.

I feel good today as I was able to go on my bike on my hour cycling to Jericho Beach. Then I went to Safeway in that bike and purchased a very thick $35 steak and some red peppers to barbecue. Even though I am an Argentine (and certainly not a vegan) I rarely eat meat these days. It was a feast and I then cut up into little pieces some of what was left and my Niño and Niña enjoyed them.

All in all a fine day that I shared with my cats and with my memory of my Rosemary.