For the first time this year I have a late winter/early spring flower from my garden to put in a vase for this Monday meme hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
Last week I managed to remove a lot of the winter debris from my rockery and flower beds, including Miscanthus leaves strewn across the garden (it never gets cut sown in time to prevent that happening!). While gently raking up twigs and leaves left behind from the storm in January I saw something white. “Ooh, a snowdrop!”
Yes, just one!
It was in the coldest possible spot on the north side of the house, and since it looked so cold and lonely I decided to bring it indoors!
😉
A little sprig of Euphorbia, some white Erica and some Heuchera leaves provided the support it needed to stand up in a vase – the tiny green vase was bought in Norfolk last summer. The glass candle holder behind it and the mat below it remind me of the ripples of the sea…
I hope you can also see signs of spring in your garden today. Even if they are sparse, they are so very welcome!
Words and Herbs 
The single snow drop in your evocative vase looks so sweet, the rich burgundy foliage really set it off. This is the first year I’ve noticed the crescent shaped patterns that miscanthus leaves make on the lawn. In wetter winter they’ve been held within the basket of flowering stems.
My giant Miscanthus has only ever produced a couple of flowers. It was here when we came and really needs digging out but I’d need a large excavator for that! Tying it up doesn’t really help but we hate the gap when we cut it down too, so it always gets left too long! I love the sound it makes when I work near it in summer… 🙂
Ah! yes! how wonderful for us all that spring is arriving. your single snowdrop is as beautiful as if it were thousands.
Oh, what a lovely way of putting it Christina! Thank you!
That a lovely vase Cathy, full of hope, Spring is slowly materialising here and I agree just the smallest sparse signs are so welcome.
Hi Julie. There are lots of shoots just peeking out of the ground but the weather is not really enticing them to grow any further yet! This snowdrop was actually quite a miracle, completely covered in icy leaves in total shade!
I love little arrangements like this you can appreciate each element and even more so because it is February. The color contrast between the Huechera and Snowdrop is lovely.
I do love Heucheras for their pretty foliage even in winter. 🙂
Another great use of little things in a big way. Well done, Cathy.
Thank you John!
This weeks’ vase brings such delight! I have been out in the garden between storms, spending my time picking up debris. You have inspired me to, stop, bring a little of the out side in. To find joy and inspiration where ever I can!
I am pleased you have also had the chance to get outdoors Deb – and it is definitely the time of year for bringing any little joy indoors to admire. 🙂
I am sure your solitary snowdrop appreciates the company of the heather and the lovely dark foliage – and being admired at all hours of the day too! Thank you for sharing
I think the admiration is making it blush Cathy – it is probably just the Heuchera leaves reflecting, but it has a definite pink tinge to it! 😉
🙂
I love it, Cathy 🙂 The little snowdrop is perfect with the Heuchera foliage and the Erica! I can’t believe your Heuchera leaves look so pristine either 😉 Happy sunshine…
I must admit I had to look hard for some pristine Heuchera as they are often nibbled by various creatures and are looking generally ‘straggly’ at this time of year!
One little snowdrop is enough to bring much joy!
Definitely! 🙂
A warming colour combination Cathy, with a dash of snow.
The last of the real snow has finally melted Brian! 🙂
I hope that little snowdrop will be followed by a legion of others, Cathy! You’ve provided it nice companions so it’s lonely no more.
Thanks Kris. That little snowdrop does look happier now, and has opened up too. 🙂
Sparse…maybe, but your little bouquet has a lavish quality about it all the same.
For February I’d say it is lavish too. Rich but subdued reds and browns will be the colour until the fresh greens arrive. 🙂
I’m glad you brought that one flower in to brighten your day…cut in the little vase. Signs of spring were most welcome in our gardens in New England when the snow finally melted. Here in Florida, we have two seasons…dry or wet but it is always green.
It must be strange not having those signs of changing seasons Karen. Do you miss New England? (I hear they had a lot of snow recently!)
It is strange to not have four distinct seasons and yes I do miss many things about beautiful New England but definitely not the snow. We had over 100 inches during our last winter there.
100 inches is an awful lot! Enjoy your mild Florida winter Karen!
😀
I am relieved that you cut that little lonely snowdrop and brought it inside Cathy – hopefully the bulb will split and give you the beginnings of a clump next year. It is certainly feeling spring like here this week, although i would not be surprised to find the freezing temperatures return again. I am making the most of the gentle weather to try and clear my borders before everything starts to grow and clearing becomes more difficult.
Snowdrops don’t seem to do too well in my garden – maybe too well-drained! And dry summers don’t help. But I do have some in a sunnier spot already showing tiny white tips, so they will be flowering soon as long as winter doesn’t come back!
Glad to see you have a touch of spring in your yard, Cathy – I’m still waiting!
Great pairing of candle holder (looks like tree leaves) and swirled green vase. 🙂
Thanks Eliza! Yes, there are several tiny green shoots waiting for some warm sunshine. At the moment it is raining and they are soaking it up ready to explode in fresh green and colour! Can’t wait!
🙂
Hurrah for your first flower of the year! I love that moment with spring bulbs where a spot of colour catches your eye and on closer inspection you discover you have a flower! The same happened to me on Sunday- while fetching some compost to sow seeds I spotted a solitary dutch iris, the most incredibly rich purple. I actually said ‘oh, hello’!!
Good to hear I am not the only one who talks to her plants! LOL!
No longer lonely! 🙂 Great composition and photos!
Thanks Uta. 🙂
Your longing for spring is jumping from the page, Cathy, it must have been so hard for you this winter. The deat little snowdrop seems delighted about the VIP treatment and looks very perky. You’ve chosen some delightful partners for it. Keep your chin up, spring is not far now. 🙂
After a few warm(ish) days last week I am optimistic! The rain is doing the bulbs good and any day now things will start pushing out of the ground demanding attention! 🙂
It’s always magical when you discover the first snowdrop of the year Christina. I’m not sure whether I could bring myself to snip it but at least there will be more following in its wake 🙂 It definitely sounds as if it is warming up in your neck of the woods if you have been able to venture out to clear the winter debris.
It was a little icy still when I ventured out last week Anna, but now all the snow has melted and the ground finally seems to be thawing. I am very hopeful that the other snowdrops will soon be opening!
This is such a pleasing composition and there is no doubt that the snowdrop is the star. (I like your candle holder behind it too)
Thank you Allison. Hope to see more of them soon! 🙂
I’m really glad to learn you had time in your rockery and flower beds this past week, Cathy. That would tell me that your beautiful flowers and plants are waking up! I love the arrangement you photographed, and using the lovely candle as a backdrop was a great setup! I took a walk around my garden today and had to laugh. The abundance of rain (again today!) has produced a very healthy garden filled with weeds! Since we don’t freeze, they’ve just been thriving in this weather. As soon as we dry out just a little bit I can’t wait to get back in the garden. 🙂
I can imagine everything is looking really green all around your neighbourhood Debra. Weeds might be a problem this year, but the rain will have done your garden and trees so much good. I do hope it dries up a bit soon for you. There is nothing like a few hours gardening in spring when the birds are starting to sing! 🙂
I love the one little snowdrop. Nice touch!
Thanks Jason. A few more are about to flower, but yours beat me to it this year!
So lovely. Here in TN we have an early spring… far too warm for Feb. So your snowdrop makes me smile.
Is TN Tennessee, Teri? It looks like we have seen the worst of winter and spring is on the way here! 🙂
Cathy, spring is on the way! I’m glad you were able to find that snowdrop. It’s a sign, I tell you, a sign that spring will be bursting at the seems before we know it. I found a crocus last week, and my narcissus are up, too.
🙂 The other snowdrops are up, but not quite opening yet. Perhaps if I bring them indoors… 🙂
That should do it, Cathy? Did it work?
I’ll be picking more today. They open as soon as they are brought into the warm! 🙂
🙂 Your vases this week were amazing.