One more way to brighten up the day

At this time of year, in our native mild climate, there are a few plants that bloom during this dreary period.  However, there are still some beacons that shine in the borders and provide nectar for those brave pollinators going about their business.  Currently in my garden, in South Manchester, there is a delightful Mahonia x media ‘Charity’ with small, cup-shaped yellow flowers, that stand above all else right now. Popping up just in the corner, shaded by the pinnate leaves of the Mahonia is a clump of Helleborus niger, otherwise fondly known as the Christmas Rose.

It is named the Christmas Rose, as in milder climates like ours, it generally flowers at this time. Unlike its name suggests, it is not a member of the rose family, but rather from the Ranunculaceae which consists of the buttercup family. Helleborus are herbaceous perennial plants, which were popular plants of the ancient Greeks. 

“The ancients used the Christmas rose medicinally, and it was considered to be a potential cure for a number of conditions, including insanity!  In medieval to Victorian times, it was popular for its ability to purge the human body as well as kill intestinal worms due to its toxic compounds.” (Source: David Trinklein 2019, University of Missouri)

However, these days we know much better than that to ingest this plant and rather admire it for its beauty, at this bleak time of year.  They prefer alkaline soil to acid, and can also be enjoyed indoors as a house plant, where they definitely bring outdoor cheer indoors, during the festive period.

If you can get outdoors during this time to admire these beauties close up, then please do!

You can join us and City of Trees for more ideas on using natural plants materials to make festive decorations on Thursday 14 December

Sign-up link
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nchs-festive-decorations-with-city-of-trees-tickets-753988057577?aff=oddtdtcreator

Have a lovely festive break. x

– Francine