The official “First Day of Spring” was this past Tuesday, March 19. Also known as the Vernal Equinox, it is the astronomical beginning of the spring season in the Northern Hemisphere.

This year, spring blooms are a couple of weeks early, at least in the Greater Boston area. The lack of freezing winter weather is a major reason.

It’s been wonderful to welcome back the Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis), Crocus (Crocus species), and Scilla (Siberian squill) blossoms.

But the fact is that the Lenten/Christmas rose (Helleborus orientalis) always appears first, at least in our garden. Hellebores are among the earliest bloomers to brave the remnants of cold New England winters.

Unlike the Snowdrops, Crocus and Scilla plants, they never lose their leaves, and their flower buds have been visible for much of the winter.

These flowering evergreen perennials are a great way to get a jump-start on early spring color in our gardens!