Death or Renewal
Death or Renewal
Not really spring, but we are in the space between late winter and early spring when we dare to hope warm sunshine-filled days are not far away.
In early February, there is a smorgasbord of emerging colour; yellow aconites, purple, crocuses, muted tones of hellebores and best of all, colonies of brilliant white snowdrops along verges, in cemeteries, in clumps beside the woodland footpath.
Sheathed in bright green leaves, bell-like white outer petals shield the more delicate inner petals with their dabs of green, this has to be the main harbinger of spring.
Despite almost universal joy at seeing these small plants, they are highly toxic, but bees love them, drawn to the scarce food they offer in this chilly micro season. Whilst I am writing this, my first bumblebee just bumbled into the glass door!
Snowdrops are believed to have protective powers against evil spirits and witches. Usually planted around homes and churches to ward off negative energy and bring blessings to the inhabitants. It’s no wonder then it is in cemeteries where their spread is the most impactful. Renewal and hope being the more obvious associations, but for the Victorian’s, it was bad luck to see snowdrops as they believed death would surely follow. How did they avoid seeing them, especially when going to church?
Whatever you believe, death or renewal, the snowdrops are a welcome carpet of hope!
Snowdrop links you may need this month
Basildon Park near Goring-on-Thames on the Berks border has many walks through its 400-acre parkland and gardens. This includes the woodland walks to see the snowdrops.
Another National Trust property, Cliveden near Taplow is full of snowdrops and great riverside walks.
This Swyncombe snowdrop walk, designed by the lovely Andrew Clark is as self-guided trail that if you have the energy to explore beyond the church, can explore the delightful and typical Chilterns village of Ewelme, visit its watercress beds, and take in the exhilarating views over Oxfordshire from an old hill fort on Swyncombe Downs. The lovely village shop is stocked full of cake, a must on a winters walk.
If you aren’t a NT member - shock horror! there are plenty of woodlands to wander and find your own snowdrop colony. Enjoy!
Get in touch if you would like to buy a snowdrop print now available with white card mount, in an 42 x 29.7 cm acrylic white frame for easy hanging.