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.
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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 the spring when they are unfurling. It’s happening right now as spring reaches into warmth.
A perennial and evergreen fern that says elegance and charm. Fronds swaying together to the melody in their hearts. But don’t all ferns express that same feeling?
Perennial and evergreen. Takes on the snow and ice of winter like a champ. Like the best of us.
And come spring again is all set for music and dance. Swaying to their own melody. The refrain in their hearts.
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 to bloom. An added bit of cheer for the dark days of winter, but I must say those dark days of winter are my favorite of days.
And now as April is soon to be here, the blooms just keep on coming, clear into early summer. I love them.
