snowdrops

The snowdrops aren't through yet. This photo is from last year. Tiny green shoots are forcing their way through the earth, but they aren't in flower. I'm continually amazed by how tough these fragile flowers are. They come up in some of the least favourable weather; the coldest, bleakest part of the year. That post-xmas/new year period, when we're still entombed in long, dark nights, and short days.
But when these beauties arrive, I know that Spring will follow soon after. They are my personal heralds!
The snowdrops seem late this year. 
By Imbolc (2nd February) they're often showing; 'candlemas bells'. I await them, and the turn of the year.