Hurrah! The shortest day has been and gone and we know we are on the upward turn again, we heave a sigh of relief - even though we know the worst is still to come! Just a week between brilliant red across my verandah and dwindling red over the verandah, so we know the seasons are beginning to turn very fast now. Yet, even though it's halfway through June, there are still a few sad leaves trying to hang on despite the odds in my garden And yet by mid-June in the depths of winter the common Snowflake appears. It's botanical name is Leucojum and it multiply's like the clappers, not to be confused with the charming little english Snowdrop - Galanthus, which is not nearly so common or anxious to be first, so waits till July before it appears. NOTE - the so-called english Snowdrop Galanthus is actually not english at all - far from it. It originates from the Middle East and eastern parts of Europe, and it grows in the wild in Iran and around the Caucuses, flowering in late winter and spring there - from January to April - depending on the variety and location. I was lucky enough to be Iran in late May almost 3 years ago, too late to see it flowering, but I did see it's green foliage growing on after it had flowered, as we explored it's natural habitat. But there are also other June treats if you really look, and the interesting thing is, that June combines the last of the previous seasons treats with a few new seasons treats. Which means you can find some bright colour even in mid-June. So do look out for winter treats and colour - they are there if you look hard enough! Our other much coveted winter treat in the garden is of course Helleborus, and they will be starting to flower right now - but that is a whole other story!!
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