Hellebore

The hellebores are flowering properly now, with the first few fully open. This is from the group called 'Pink Spotted Ladies'. We have a number of these and they vary in the contrast and intensity of the spots and the background colour. Some are more vibrant than others, and this is one of the better ones. I was guessing a bit with this, as the flower was looking down and I had to hold the camera underneath (no flip-out screens when the LX3 was current). Later on the flowers turn up and then set seed soon after.

The gradual shift towards spring feels irresistible now, although it may stay quite cold for a while.