Double snowdrops are stars of the winter garden!

This close up of a the double snowdrop ‘Flore Pleno,’ shows the beauty of the tiny flower. It’s only about a quarter of an inch wide. Photos by Doug Oster Tribune-Review

“Normal” snowdrops are also a wonderful, welcome sight in the winter garden.

After a long day of working inside on an amazing, balmy 64 degree day, I walked around the corner just as the sun was setting set to see my beloved double snowdrops blooming. It’s always such a wonderful surprise. They seem to appear in an instant and in some cases are gone as quickly.

As strange bird calls came from the forest, I laid prone on the cool flagstone path to get a close look ‘Flore Pleno,’ my favorite variety.

They are the stars of the garden this early in the season and joined by “normal” snowdrops, snow crocus with a few helebores preparing to put on their show.

March can be a tough month, but as each day passes, brings us a little closer to the beauty of spring. Nothing can compare to the anticipation we feel as the season creeps closer.

It might seem crazy to see these little flowers and already be planning for fall planting, but as gardeners, we always need to think ahead.

I need more of these next spring, which means writing down how many and where to plant the bulbs at the end of the season. That’s where my garden journal comes in.

I’m drawing maps, thinking hard about varieties and jotting down thoughts. It’s the only way I’ll remember how important these flowers are after another great garden season.

I love to pick flowers of ‘Flore Pleno’ and float them in water in a little dish. It’s a great way to display flowers which look down when they bloom.