Galanthus Galore

Ah my garden friends, let's pay tribute to the bravest of all flowers, the modest snowdrop.

The snowdrop is one of the first to arrive each year in our gardens and to gladden our hearts with their perfect bells with pretty green markings. And they are such brave souls as they stand firm in frost and wind and snow and rain until the others come to join them.

And the others have come, the cheerful daffodil, the dapper crocus, so tiny and neat, the shy hellebores, who mostly hide their pretty freckled faces, the blossom on the trees.... And they all say the same thing: Spring is here! It has come, at last.

And the arrival of Spring brings a fond farewell to our friend the snowdrop. Thank you for staying sweet snowdrop and brightening up those sombre winter days with your presence. And please come again next year, you will be most welcome dearest snowdrop. Until we meet again!

The Snowdrop

Already now the snowdrop dares appear,
The first pale blossom of th' unripen'd year
As flora's breath, by some transforming power.
Had chang'd an icicle into a flower,
Its name and hue the scentless plant retains,
And Winter lingers in its icy veins.
Ted Hughes