Galanthus......

More usually known as Snowdrops

It's a very good year for snowdrops, we didn't know how many there would be here but seems there are several clumps on the other side of the lane and a few on the house side too.

The word Galanthus is derived from the Greek words gala (milk) and anthos (flower). It has always been a symbol of purity and hope and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was often called Candlemas bell. It was considered unlucky to bring them into the house before Candlemas.

I looked on the National Gardens Scheme website and there are gardens open all over the country on Snowdrop days which are mainly in the middle of February. Plus the National Trust have woods full of snowdrops at many of the houses they own.

Not quite enough for an Open Gardens event!!

Snowdrops don't grow very well from bulbs and it's better to buy them "in the green" - a small  pot-full in flower will soon spread when planted out.

It seems that many poets have waxed lyrical about the Snowdrop, The Famous

 and William Wordsworth

TO A SNOWDROP

          LONE Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they
          But hardier far, once more I see thee bend
          Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend,
          Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day,
          Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay
          The rising sun, and on the plains descend;
          Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend
          Whose zeal outruns his promise! Blue-eyed May
          Shall soon behold this border thickly set
          With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing                
          On the soft west-wind and his frolic peers;
          Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
          Chaste Snowdrop, venturous harbinger of Spring,
          And pensive monitor of fleeting years!

 And the not so famous.............. this was in a children's poetry book

SNOWDROPS

I like to think 

That, long ago

There fell to earth

Some flakes of snow

Which loved this cold,

Grey world of ours

So much, they stayed 

As snowdrop flowers

By Mary Vivian

  Back Soon
Sue