I planted hellebore to see something blooming in the garden in February. This little guy fills the bill. And any day now, the daphne with its tiny intoxicating blossoms will kick in, too, and I will suddenly want to be outdoors again. Having grown up in places where winter covers everything with snow and blooming things disappear from sight for months, I still can’t believe my good fortune to have my way to Oregon. I’ll take the winter rain, thanks.