saw some snowdrops yesterday

[willbick]

is that unusually early?

[davecatt]

Depends where you are, it could be a sign of a "False Spring" because of a rise in temp after a severely cold early start to the winter. When this happens birds start nesting too early,Hedgehogs and Squirrels become active too soon, then the frost comes back and all suffer as a consequence of not having the resources available to them that a true change in the seasons would provide for survival.

Nivver cast a clowt 'til may is out is still relevant today, it means dont dismiss winter too early. When the May blossom is on the hedge then the season has turned and the weather is warming up.

I must add that this opinion comes from anecdotal evidence acquired from the old country lads who taught me and from my own observations over the last fifty years. There may be scientific proof to back up the theory,you'll have to Google it, but anecdote or not it is factual as far as I'm concerned.
Dave

[aeshna5]

Depends on the species/cultivar- some are (extra) early flowering. I saw my first in late November + I always see them in Kensington Gardens when I have a regular Boxing Day walk there. Same this year despite all the snow, even in London.

[artdemole]

Some of mine have been showing white buds since the snow all went,been there 3 years now so established.

[willbick]

OK. thanks very much for your thoughts.