Galanthus nivalis

Galanthus nivalis - the wild snowdrop is one of the first of the bulbs to appear at the turn of the year breaking through the hard frosted undergrowth. Although February used to be the month for early spring flowers due to climate change we now see them appearing earlier in mid to late January.

Galanthus nivalis is a common variety snowdrop which grows below large trees within the woodland of a large estate nestled in and close to the river within the borders. In the late 1980's there seemed to be a noticeable change with the wild snowdrop on the estate. For although the snowdrop was known for its small and delicate heads, as the years progressed it became apparent  that the heads of the species, were larger and in some cases appeared double making them more attractive to the eye.

You would see them carpeting woodland banks with their vast array of narrow lanceolate greyish-green leaves. These larger varieties were scarce in those parts, around that time.  Unknown to many, small vans would appear down the driveway in the early hours of daylight. No-one noticed for sometime a large proportions of bulbs were disappearing. According to today's markets there are a maximum of twenty varieties throughout Europe, but these bulbs were quite rare in this area during that time.

It was interesting to observe as you walked along the driveway that trees on either side created an archway with their over baring straggly branches high above your head. Woodland ferns of various species would fill in the empty spaces of ground. Apart from the snowdrops, we had the pale wild yellow Primulas, all clustered together under the tall trees protected on a harsh cold morning during the winter months. Yet when the winter sun came out you could see their little faces stretching up high into the suns rays. Being a keen gardener at that time I noticed the heads of the Primulas changing colour too. Pale pinks and white heads began to appear on the banking's, yet no-one knew where they had come from and I hadn't put them there.

These small bulbs make a pretty gift when placed into a pot, wrapped in cello and tied in a pretty bow. The perfect gift for a New Spring Baby.