Spring Has Sprung - The Snowdrop

Galanthus nivalis -Milk flower of the Snow

To be honest, I can do without winter. Anything from Halloween onwards, I can really do without. Dark nights, dark mornings, chills and endless droves of grey rain - it might be for someone, but that someone is definitely not me. Roll on the sunshine! Okay Okay, so before summer we have to be teased by spring. A hint of sunshine, a sprig of greenery and then a load of snow to remind you that winter still has its claws in! But at least there is hope of longer and warmer days. A single Snowdrop is the first sign of that hope and long have they represented purity and innocence. Surprisingly these little white milk drops have also been associated with bad luck and death. Victorians believed it was bad luck to bring them inside the home and could turn milk sour, spoil the eggs or even bring death to the door. A little plant with such polar opposite representation. This year for me, they signify its time to start planning the new garden! As its our first year here and there were clearly keen gardeners before us, its a stock taking year - to see what exists and what grows where. Sounds a bit dull, but I think I'll find plenty of things I've never seen before so watch this space...