Growing green

Gorgeous plum-coloured Helleborus orientalis has remained small, retaining the original leaves without producing anything new and, on first glance, no sign of flowers whatsoever. A closer inspection reveals that a flower stem has begun to grow, and there are several new shoots beginning to poke through at the base of the plant. Hopefully, these herald the start of future healthy growth.

Two orientalis were planted, the colour of the second isn't known as I forgot to label it. This second plant is still alive and, like its neighbour, has kept hold of its foliage and has just begun to send up a few new shoots.

There are no signs of flowers so far, but hope is still here because blooms can be produced in this species well into spring, with buds appearing during January and opening as late as April.

Helleborus orientalis, or the Lenten Rose, is a lovely late winter and early spring plant that grows well in cool conditions under deciduous shrubs along with other early plants such as snowdrops and the buttercup yellow winter aconite, Eranthis.

The flowers range in colour from deepest warm purple, cooler smoky hues to pale pink and greenish white. The darker colours seem to be harder to find and more expensive, but a mature clump does look marvellous in the garden.

While the Lenten Roses have taken time to settle, it is a different story with their relative, Helleborus argutifolius. This species has done really well over the past year, establishing quickly and producing several evergreen leaves that have sturdily grown through a small hydrangea, long thorny rose stems and a shrubby fuchsia.

The veined, cool green foliage has serrated edges and clusters of green flower buds began to appear before Christmas. Soon they will open out into masses of blooms that can last into May, so long as an especially cold wind or a night of heavy frost doesn't damage them. In exposed areas they are best grown in a sheltered site.

Helleborus argutifolius was previously named Helleborus corsicus, which gives a clue to its Mediterranean origins. However, despite this it is a hardy plant in most areas of the UK, as long as it is grown in well-drained conditions. It doesn't like cold, wet, wintry soil.

A well established specimen will produce a mound of leaves with many flower stems covered in masses of flowers, a lovely sight in January and February as the garden begins to come alive with new growth.

Weekend catch-up

IT IS really important to check the garden this weekend for wind damage that may have occurred over the past few days. The strong gusts we had on Thursday could have loosened climbers from their moorings against walls and fences, or damaged the fences.

Check and secure wires that have come away from their hooks or nails and replace any that have snapped. The plants can then be tied back in place with damaged stems being trimmed back.

Fences that have been damaged in the wind will need to be mended or replaced, and this is a good time to do the job because they will be easier to get to than later in the year, when perennials have started to grow.

A climber-covered fence is tricky to replace or mend, so allow plenty of time. The only way I have found to do it is by untying and untangling the stems of the plant and laying them on the ground in front of the fence, which can then be attended to. Once the fence is sorted out, the climber can be tied back into place, ready to start its spring growth.

Recently planted trees and shrubs should also be checked in case they have become loosened in the wind. Firm the soil around the base of the specimen and check the stake if it has one.

Gardening talk

DR ANDREW Ward, from Norwell Nurseries, will give a talk entitled A Year Of Garden Colour on Tuesday. Organised by Askham Bryan College (ABC) Gardening Club, the talk will begin at 7.30pm in the Conference Hall at Askham Bryan College. There is plenty of free parking near the hall. Tickets on the door are free to ABC Gardening Club members and £5 to non-members.

Gardening TV and radio

Tomorrow

8am, Radio Humberside, The Great Outdoors.

9am, Radio Leeds, Gardening with Tim Crowther and Joe Maiden.

2pm, R4, Gardeners' Question Time. Eric Robson, John Cushnie, Bob Flowerdew and Bunny Guinness are in Lancaster, as guests of Ripley St Thomas C of E High School. Tony Russell looks at Magnolia soulangiana in a new series about spectacular trees. Gardening forecast at 2.25pm.

Friday

8pm, BBC2, A New Year At Kew. Wallabies are brought into the gardens as part of a festival celebrating the plants, building, men and women who helped to make Kew.

8.30pm, BBC2, Grow Your Own Veg. Carol Klein puts brassicas in the spotlight this week. Meanwhile, novice grower Louise find her veg under attack.