Introducing the first flowers of the new year, Snowdrops: our January Flower of the Month #FOTM. Get your discount code below.
Botanical Information
The scientific name for the snowdrop is Galanthus, a combination of the Greek words for milk and flower. This tiny collection of species are part of the Amaryllidaceae family. They are perennials that grow from bulbs and are among the first to bloom each Spring.
Whilst in the UK, January and February are the season for snowdrops, in Romania it is the 1st of March when the flower is welcomed.
In Russia, the composer Tchaikovsky, in his twelve seasonal piano compositions, inextricably linked the snowdrop to April.
The Snowdrop is not a flower native to the UK, except perhaps in Wales, and historians have differing opinions on when they were introduced to the ecology. It wasn’t until the 1770’s that Wild Snowdrops were mentioned in any UK sources. This was in the Gloucestershire area, and they were most likely escapees from local gardens.
Snowdrops and their meaning
With the moniker of 'snow-piercer', the Snowdrop has long been the flower of hope, as the first to break through the frozen soil and herald the coming of Spring.
Snowdrops are linked with purity, optimism, humility, gratitude and innocence, and are used in the feast of Candlemas as a flower of purification and representative of The Virgin Mary.
It is unlucky to bring a single Snowdrop into a house, and better to bring a bunch for protection, though not before St Valentines day if you want to marry within a year according to folklore.
Where can I find Snowdrops in the North Wales Landscape?
Erddig in Wrexham has it's own special Snowdrop, a double-headed variety which is unmissable. If you wish to fully explore Snowdrops in the welsh landscape, they appear on the elevated, west front of the historical manor with views of the 1,200-acre estate as a backdrop.
Chirk Castle also has a fantastic wild woodland which is carpeted by the pure snowy brilliance of the Snowdrop. Here you can also enjoy the sights and facilities of the historic castle.
Wherever you wander in Wales, be it in beautifully cultivated manor gardens or the multitude of hilly walks synonymous with the land, may you find and appreciate the beauty of the humble snowdrop.
Why not bring these new year's flowers indoors, to enjoy all year ‘round, at a discount?
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Looking for something else?
For more information about these Winter floral favourites, and where to find them, visit the links below.