Snow on the Snowdrops
Here we are in the early days of March. Snowdrops are beginning to show their blooms. February ended by dumping over 6 inches of snow on the Snowdrops.
Our super weather predicter Phil, down in Punxsutawney, proclaimed that we were going to have an early spring this year. Just when it seems like we may be headed in that direction, we get a reminder that winter isn’t over quite yet.
As I am writing this, it is raining outside. It has rained most of the day. The temperatures yesterday and last night were well into the 40s. Today was just as warm along with the rain.
Throw all that together and you can say bye-bye to most of the snow. Now maybe the Snowdrops will continue with their blooming. These are one of the earliest flowers around here to bloom.
What’s in a name
I don’t know for sure, but I don’t believe Snowdrops got their name from their white flowers looking like snow dropping. They were probably named that because of the snow on the Snowdrops.
These are some tough little flowers. I have been blessed with many clusters or clumps of these early bloomers in my yard. I did not buy these, they have been here for many years.
Bulbs, tiny bulbs
Snowdrops grow from small bulbs that spend all summer hiding several inches under the surface. In my case, I have several groups that actually grow up from under my grass in areas.
I have actually transplanted many of these to different areas purely by accident. While digging out areas for new flower beds, I have accidentally included some of the tiny bulbs with the relocated dirt. They just pop up in their new home as if nothing happened.
I tried to dig some up to divide one time. I thought I would try potting them up and sell them here at the nursery. So much for my plans. They did not like the idea of being disturbed and potted. The bulbs can be dug and divided late in the year, so I have heard. The plants are invisible then.
Can you smell that?
Another nice feature of Snowdrops, they are fragrant. Being 6 feet tall, I don’t get down to their level to verify the fragrance. While not as potent as some other early spring bloomers, they are a welcome treat to the first bees venturing out on warmer days.
It is not uncommon to see many bees climbing all over these little white bells just a couple of inches above the ground. It is almost like they warm up first on a warm sunny day.
I would strongly recommend trying to get at least one colony of these late winter bloomers growing somewhere in your yard. They are often available by mail order sources. We all need as early of a start to the flowering season as possible.
