Snowdrop Season

Belated welcome to 2013.  Outside, the snowdrops are blooming...at least those that have decided they like it well enough here. 



S. Arnott pictured above.

For the first time in a number of years, I'm not planning to add any new snowdrops.  The differences are, for the most part, too subtle for me to see.  Add in a survival rate of maybe 50% and it becomes a game I am less interested in playing.

 

Don's Big Seedling pictured above.

Those that are surviving here are (in my plans, that is) going to be moved to line my front walkway.  Some are there now, but others are scattered here and there.  It's nice to appreciate them and that will be much easier when they're all in the same general area. 



Mrs. Backhouse #12 and Straffan pictured above.

One day, I still would love to visit the UK during snowdrop season.  Many pictures I see from there show so many varieties that are simply unavailable here.  And, the glory of it all, to see endless sweeps of them would be inspiring.



Winifred Mathais pictured above.

Perhaps one day (sooner), I will make it to Winterthur where I understand they have large areas of snowdrops.  It appears they reopen on March 1st. 



John Gray pictured above.

I think I have a couple of doubles that have survived but are not in bloom.  Doubles, especially, seem to not like it here.  Since the blooms last for quite a while, I will keep attempting to snag a few more pictures of some that aren't featured today.



An unknown snowdrop pictured above.

Also in bloom are the first of the crocus (yellow), some hardy cyclamen and hellebores.  It's challenging (that's part of the fun) to capture the hellebores as so many like to hang their heads  However, the beauty contained there, especially the doubles, makes it so worth it.  Last year, I removed a number of dark flowered ones that no longer pleased me.  It seems that light colored flowers and white ones show up so much nicer against their foliage. 

Many changes around here making for no excuses for lack of things to talk about and share. 

Here's a taste:



Lucy and Rudy.