So, hands up who’s ready for Spring? Have we had enough of Winter yet? Enough of cold days, rainy weeks and grey clouds….? Spring is the season for new beginnings, new hope and a promise of a glorious summer to follow (we can live in hope!).

And what better sign that spring is coming than the beautiful winter blooms that are scattered around beautiful Snowdonia at the moment. We have had a mild winter so the wild flowers are blooming earlier than usual but seeing the first January snowdrops is a sure sign that the weather is surely turning, the days are longer and sunshine is on the way…..

Snowdrops, or Galanthus to use their latin name, are a common sight early in the year, and most are beginning to flower by late-to mid January and last until March. They are a hardy flower, grown from a bulb, and are often seen in wild spaces such as woodlands and meadows. A carpet of snowdrops is truly a beautiful sight!

Image by CC BY-SA on wikicommons

Snowdrops are fairly common because they grow easily, although they do like damp soil (handy!). Most gardens can accommodate snowdrops and they aren’t difficult to grow but to grow them yourself it’s best to plant the bulbs in May or June for them to flower in January.

If you’re not very green fingered, then fear not! There are lots of places close to the Oakeley Arms where you’ll be able to see beautiful January Snowdrops in full bloom, and here are a few ideas:

• Head up to the woodland surrounding Llyn Mair – just a mile from the Oakeley Arms
• Plas Brondanw Gardens, Llanfrothen – the gardens at this beautiful mansions are awash with snowdrops at this time of year.
• Portmeirion – take a stroll through the woodland behind the village and you’re sure to see some lovely January snowdrops!
• Riverside, Llanystumdwy – head west along the coast for a few miles to this pretty village near Criccieth and you’ll discover thousands of pretty snowdrops lining the riverbank.

And if you do come across a clutch of snowdrops, then it could be your lucky day (so go and buy a lottery ticket, quick!). Snowdrops are traditionally known as the Flower of Hope, signifying a new season and hope, happiness and luck for the coming Spring and Summer.

By Bankhallbretherton CC BY 3 on wikicommons