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March 31, 2023
Greetings, friends! 
Thought I'd start off with a spring poem - one that begs to be read aloud:
 
“Row upon row of long stemmed dandies, Yellow trumpets set to blare, 
'Neath them growing, little snowdrops, Announcing spring is in the air. 
 
Songbirds sing sweet melodies, As on branches blossom grows, 
Life anew, is now stirring Spring arrives to steal the show. 
 
Purple crocus greet the Sun, With primrose and the hellebore, 
As pretty white anemones Decorate the woodland floor. 
 
Bleary eyed, creatures stir Days of slumber passing now, 
Time for all to awaken As winter, takes her final bow."
      -Gary Smith
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Hellebores
 
If I were to have a love affair with a plant, it would be with Hellebores. And I am not alone. I know many of you are smitten as well. We are starting off the spring season with two varieties that have been forced in a greenhouse: H. x ballardiae ‘Merlin’ and H. x ballardiae ‘Pink Frost’.  They need to be kept indoors for a couple more weeks, then plant them outside in a shady spot (dappled sunlight is best). They are happiest on a slope as they don't like to get their feet too wet. 
 
Helleborus orientalis and related crosses are known as the Lenten Rose  and are the first perennials to bloom in the spring - usually during Lent. This year mine are just starting to show their pretty flowers here at the end of March. 
 
Over the years my collection of Hellebores has grown, so when we moved late last year, guess what I was digging up in early December to take with me. Wherever I live, there will always be room for one more of these sweet, graceful harbingers of spring in my garden. 
How about you?
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Orchids have arrived, and they pair so nicely with the new Wakefield Handmade pottery. Now is a good time to repot orchids, and we can help with that! We use Espoma's orchid bark and orchid food. 
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New Mini Trellises for Houseplants
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Our Selection of Hoyas Continues to Grow!
We currently have 8 varieties and will be adding more!
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How to Arrange Tulips

Fresh basil for your dinner tonight!
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GARDEN
CONSULTATIONS
Do you have a space in your yard that needs a refresh or just doesn't look right? 
Are you willing to do the work, but not sure which plants will do best in your yard?
Having a professional set of eyes helps!

Schedule a one-hour garden consultation with Tracy today! We have openings starting in mid-April. 

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We'll be closed Easter Sunday, 4/9
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please share it with a friend. 
Until next time, you can find me on Instagram  @bellabotanicaboutique or if you are a fellow plant geek, follow along as I post plant pics @beautyseekr. 
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Falling leaves photo credit: oliver hihn