This time of year, I often grow weary of the snow. Yet, seeing fresh snow on branches and foliage reminds me that “Snow Flowers” are abundant. And that thought drew me outside to take a look. To my jaded eyes, it rekindled a sense of wonder.
Snow flowers ? You ask.
Picture the endless shapes formed by snow nestled in crevices, shaped by twiggy intersections and the evergreen foliage of woody plants.
A blizzard loams, and unusually snow still lingers on branches and foliage. And that means Snow Flowers!
I first heard of the term in a novel I was reading over 30 or 40 years ago. It’s not Snow Flowers and the Secret Fan. And when I search Google that’s the only result.
In it was a description of a deep winter festival celebrated in a Japanese mountain village. ASI read, I imagined the entire village participating and neighboring villages coming to admire and celebrate.
It described a competition to grow plants to create “Snow Flowers’” and in the heart of winter to gather and celebrate the art form.
Hydrangea and Dwarf Alberta Spruce (upper left), Hydrangea LQF (middle), and Dwarf Weeping Japanese Maple (Upper right), Witch-Hazel and Rhododendron (lower center).
Embrace the wonders around you. Catch you outside!
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