Waiting for the snowdrops

Seasonal harbingers

Wed Jan 10 2024 - 00:03

Sir, – Since approximately December 24th, we have been enjoying the beautiful daffodils in the Roman Catholic churchyard by the river. It’s wonderful to see them, especially so particularly early. However, here in Roscrea, Co Tipperary, I am very aware of the dearth of the snowdrop (galanthus), which usually appears before the daffodil. A month ago, I texted my grandson, Cathal, to say I had seen the first snowdrop, but later discovered it was a snowflake flower (leucojum), which is somewhat similar, but with a much, much longer stem.

I wonder how plentiful the snowdrops are around Ireland this year. – Yours, etc,

WESLEY J BECK,

Roscrea,