Snowdrops are the first flowers to appear in the late winter/early spring and they are such a sight for winter weary eyes.  You often see them as early as late January or February poking up through the snow cover. Despite their delicate appearance they are hardy little flowers that can withstand dips in temperature.  They remain closed like little drops of white milk until the sun warms them and then they open to reveal a bell-shaped flower with 3 outer petals arching over 3 inner petals.  They are all over the Garden now, but my favorite patches to photograph are lining the steps in the Waterfall Garden. You can sit on the steps and get right up close to capture their delicate-looking texture and lines and the glistening white of the petals. This particular variety of snowdrop is called 'Atkinsii Snowdrop' and it is in the amaryllis family  I adore these little gems of spring.