Hellebore buds are up about 2 inches.

The fall and winter has been mild enough that I'm still struggling with azalea lacebugs.

Bobert, This yard was already planted with a number of azaleas when I bought the place. I notice every spring the flower buds and blooms will start turning brown and crisp until gradually all the flowers are brown. They don't drop but remain dried and brown on the plant, eventually crumbling away sometime in mid to late summer. Thrips?