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"Snowdrops (Consolation), 110 year old glass, Daffodiles, Ravenscourt Landscaping & Design LLC, Sarah Doudney, Snowdrops
I pay attention to the weather so much more since becoming a landscape contractor. February seems to be our coldest month here in Houston or perhaps it seems so as we tire of the winter weather. Every morning this week has met the crew with temps in the low 30’s. I prefer cold to hot but the crew is the opposite. I enjoy February because in the gray misty mornings the daffodils and snowdrops stand out so clearly! I think about my friends in the snow and can’t even imagine how they are feeling as we slog through this last bit of winter!
A small bird twitters on a leafless spray,
Across the snow-waste breaks a gleam of gold:
What token can I give my friend to-day
But February blossoms, pure and cold?
Frail gifts from Nature’s half-reluctant hand…
I see the signs of spring about the land…
These chill snowdrops, fresh from wintry bowers,
Are the forerunners of a world of flowers.
~Sarah Doudney, “Snowdrops (Consolation),” c.1881
Everyday I watch these little House sparrows through my office window. They always scatter when I walk outside, so today I took this photo to share with you through my 110 year old wavy glass.
Our right of way strip with the first of 3 waves of daffodils by my big rock.
Stay Warm!
Hi Laurin! I just shared this blog on my Bugwoman Facebook page – I am always fascinated by the things that we share, like Snowdrops and House Sparrows, and the things that we don’t, like Crape Myrtle. A lovely post, as always….
Interesting, you are right…perhaps I should share crape myrtles this summer. They are really are beautiful in Houston when everything else is hiding from the heat! Thanks you for sharing : )
I am in love with your snowdrops, daffs and giant rock. They make such a great combo. Cute sparrows.
Thanks…we even got green moss on the rock this winter : )
How ?!?!? hahaha I mean: That’s awesome 😉 (hate to admit it but that might be proof of Houston’s superiority to Austin)
Those ‘snowdrops’ look like what we over here call ‘snowflake’. Glad to see the house sparrows are thriving though. Once numerous and very common over here (UK), more recently they’ve become increasingly rare. Something to do with lack of nesting places as people get uPVC eaves, etc.
Meanwhile we wait for our daffodils to come out. Here, city on the south coast, the snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) have been out for about a month, crocus for a couple of weeks. The daffodil leaves are up and buds are forming. I guess there won’t be any in bloom for St David’s Day, tomorrow (Ist March).
Looking good and beautiful poem. 30’s would be fine with me, it “warmed up” to 20 last week and I didn’t even bother with a coat when I ran out to get the mail 🙂
Thank you Bittster, I remember the daffodils blooming at Holland Park when I lived down the road and I think it was mid-spring. Cheers!
Hey Laurin, those will bloom here in late April. I look forward to it. Right now, we have lots of snow. Ugh. Hey, I’m coming to Houston and speaking at Arborgate March 27 and 28. I hope I get to see you while I’m there. Would you spread the word?~~Dee
Hi Dee, I have been keeping up with the weather north of us! We had sleeting rain but no snow : ) You will love Arbor Gate. I just blogged about it https://ravenscourtgardens.com/2015/02/18/fun-february-field-trip-to-arbor-gate/ It is about 30 miles north west from were I live. I would love to meet you up, we are here that weekend. Let us know what works for you? If you want to come down this way there are tons of great places to eat. And you know you are welcome to stay with us, we have plenty of room. Wish we could here you talk but we are working that morning. I will go to AG website and get information to post. Stay warm! HUGS
Love your poem, your Leucojums and your sparrows.