If snowdrops bloomed in June instead of March, would we be nearly as smitten with them as we are? Probably not. After all, they’re rather demure and unassuming flowers — simple white, downward-facing blooms on short stems. No fragrance, no vivid colours, no dramatic foliage. However, they’re always greeted with fanfare when they appear in our gardens in late winter, … [Read more...] about Celebrating snowdrops
snowdrops
The first flowers of spring
In the warmer parts of Canada spring has already sprung, but in colder regions, it’s still a few weeks away. My own Zone 5 garden in south-central Ontario (about 62 miles/100 km north of Toronto) lies somewhere between the two extremes. The minor bulbs of early spring are in flower, as are the hellebores. Early daffodils are about to pop and magnolia, forsythia and lilac are in … [Read more...] about The first flowers of spring
Time to order snowdrops
Although summer is still upon us, it’s time to consider snowdrop orders. Snowdrop bulbs are susceptible to drying out once lifted from the ground, and require early planting if they’re to survive. Early orders for these delicate bulbs will help us get them safely planted by the end of September. Those in-the-know about the ways of snowdrops can tell you that the later the … [Read more...] about Time to order snowdrops
Snowdrop sighting
My goodness, what a surprise! I looked out my window on February 23 and noticed snowdrops coming up. This is the earliest date yet in my garden (at the northern edge of Zone 6), the previous earliest date being March 4, several years ago. While outside checking on this unexpected phenomenon, I also noticed a clematis vine with green buds. It seems we might be on the verge of an … [Read more...] about Snowdrop sighting
