Bring a pretty Christmas rose indoors
You can miss the Christmas rose* when it flowers. Its papery blooms appear at exactly the time you stop venturing out: midwinter. Which is a shame as its beauty is just what is needed to dispel gloom. But there is an answer: bring it indoors. A small clump sits happily in a pot and looks especially good when wrapped with twigs and string, as here. Use rich compost such as John Innes No3 and incorporate 25% grit and you’ll get a succession of flowers sure to keep spirits aloft.
*Its genus name Helleborus come from the Greek ‘elein’ which means ‘to injure’ and bora meaning ‘food’. This is a clue to its poisonous nature: do not be tempted to nibble.
Plenty more festive ideas for gifts, food and fun in December's issue of The Simple Things - buy, download or subscribe now.