The first snowdrops, my favourite of all flowers, too delicate to be plucked -they just grow in damp, shady places - a little messager to say Spring will follow soon. Next weekend is the feast of Imbolc (or Candlemas), of all the pagan or 'turning of the year' celebrations this is my very favourite. It was when I first 'saw the light' of how truly beautiful the natural world is.Other names for the snowdrop are purification flower, fair maid of February and Candlemas bells .
The snow's fair coverlet is spreadLightly on the lawn and garden bed
Where the white-wimpled snowdrops blow
(John Gordon)
This magical little village is tucked away behind Coate Water and just before Chiseldon - unlike any other little hamlet in the area it truly is one of Swindon's best kept secrets.
