Garden Photo of the Day

A Tradition of Snowdrops

An annual gift celebrating the end of winter

By GPOD Contributor
close up of a clump of double snowdrops

Today’s photos are from Jane Donelon.

Back in 2008 my son, Jim, brought my daughter, Jean, and me some snowdrops (Galanthus species and hybrids, Zones 3–8) from his New Jersey garden. It was our favorite holiday gift. The tradition has continued, and each winter we receive a bucketful of snowdrops that we pot up to enjoy inside. In the early spring when the ground has thawed in Maine, we plant them outside in our garden. The snowdrops have rapidly multiplied; extras have been shared with friends. This year I’m giving them to neighbors. I’m looking forward to our little neighborhood in Brunswick, Maine, soon becoming alive with snowdrops, bringing beauty and joy to neighbors young and old—and food for hungry bees awakening from their long winter’s rest.

family holding potted snowdrop giftsThe snowdrop tradition begins in 2008 with great joy.

close up of snowdrop flowerWe enjoy them in pots inside during the winter until the soil has thawed, and then they can be planted outside in the garden.

snowdrops coming up through fallen leaves in early springSnowdrops, the first flowers of spring, are blooming along the stone wall. The bees will soon discover them.

snowdrops after a snowfallHardy snowdrops are not bothered by snowfalls.

cluster of snowdrops in bloom before other spring bulbs emergeOver time the snowdrops have multiplied and bloom before crocus in the front border.

close up of a clump of double snowdropsA clump of double snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis ‘Flora Pleno’, Zones 3–7) bloom along the hillside path near a very dark hellebore (Helleborus hybrid, Zones 5–9).

close up of Viridipice snowdropThis special snowdrop cultivar, Galanthus ‘Viridipice’, was purchased online.

close up of Blewbury Tart snowdropAnother cultivar—frilly, green Galanthus ‘Blewbury Tart’—joined the collection. Each one is a small treasure.

 

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Comments

  1. blondie3 02/13/2023

    What a lovely gift…so thoughtful, such a joy to see them year after year.

    1. janeeliz 02/13/2023

      Thanks, Blondie. I am eagerly awaiting their arrival!

  2. moyra_b 02/13/2023

    Lovely!!

  3. User avater
    simplesue 02/13/2023

    Beautiful little snow drops!

  4. User avater
    treasuresmom 02/13/2023

    Love snowdrops!

    1. janeeliz 02/13/2023

      Thanks, all! I just noticed that a clump of snowdrops in the corner beneath my outside faucet are all budded up and ready to bloom. With all this warm weather they probably will open soon ...always the first, but this is sooner than other years. I'm glad they are so resilient.

  5. gardenconcierge 02/13/2023

    What a lovely gift idea! Thank you for sharing it and beautiful photos of your snowdrops.

  6. btucker9675 02/13/2023

    So pretty - and the contrast with that dark hellebore is perfect. What a wonderful tradition!

  7. janeeliz 02/13/2023

    For all you snowdrop lovers: there is a Galanthophile Gala coming up on Mar. 3 and 4 -both virtual and on-line. Check it out. Prices vary and you must register. I joined last year on Zoom and loved it all-lectures, literature, art, auction, vendors, and colorful galanthophiles (snowdrop lovers).

  8. gloriazimmerman 05/17/2023

    Although these flowers are tiny, they are really beautiful. I also plant a snowdrop pot in my room. Enjoying it while playing cubes 2048 is an interesting experience.

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