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A Green Of Winter
February 9, 2026 Its the middle of winter, relatively few plants are green. But this one is an evergreen, its leaves performing photoshythesis during the winter. Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata). The scientific name means “spotted winter-loving” in English. Growing to just 3 to 10 inches tall, preferring deep shade, frequently forming colonies. _______________________ If you…
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Christmas Fern
A tough fern often spotted on the trails up here in the mountains. Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides), one of the most common ferns in eastern North America which is its native range. These are called crosiers, or more commonly, fiddleheads. In them I see movement, dance, music. Certainly grace and beauty. I love it in…
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Hellebores (Hello Boris!)
Hellebores (Helleborus) are champions in my gardens. Though not native to North America but to Europe, they are extremely well behaved. They haven’t wandered at all from where I planted them long ago, only spreading slowly by rhizomatous roots. They’re an evergreen perennial that begins to show buds in January as icy winds blow. Soon…