Cheerful in the greyness

 

      I always feel that the seasons have turned a significant corner when these cheerful little fellows begin to form clumps of nodding flowers. The flowers aren't large but they seem to resist the frosts, the high winds and the biblical rain that we've been enjoying. There's just something about Snowdrops, it's still winter but they convince you that it's almost spring, and I suppose that's the full value cheering-up factor of the little flowers at work.

      The two groups of snowdrops are gathered under a couple of Japanese Acers in the front garden, there are more where they are steadily spreading, and even the routine of walking out to the car demands a short diversion to encourage them further. Talk to the plants I say, even if it's only to say thank you.