In the case of snowdrops as opposed to any other flower it is a benchmark for the year, the first natural history sighting of the hundreds that are expected.

Galanthus nivalis it is also has the folk names of Dingle dangle, Eve’s tears and Candle mass lily. Eve’s tears is the name given following Adam and Eve’s desolation at leaving the Garden of Eden in Winter. An angel turned snowflakes into snowdrops.

This years blog is more of a build up with photos of the development of our first snowdrops here in Halvasso. How will they fare with the more recent lengthy cold spell of continuous sub zero temperatures and snow? Ebullient and on time snowdrops never fail to deliver.

For such a beautiful flower it is associated with death, especially for anyone picking it and bringing it into the house. Also any bride to be should not pick it before Valentines Day. These wonderful snippets of information are from the often mentioned website by Sue Eland called plantlives.

From the plantlives website I will quote a poem by Mary Robinson. “The Snow Drop, winter’s timid child, Awakes to life, Bedew’d with tears”. More photos to follow of the Halvasso snowdrops as they flourish.

Top left 15th Jan 2011                                        Top right 27th Jan 2100

Bottom left 5th Feb 2011                                     Bottom right 5th Feb 2011