A rocky outcrop across from Camosun College’s Dunlop House entrance has been covered by a sprawling evergreen for ages. 

Each year, the Juniper grows a little bit more & covers even more of the knoll. We often pass by on our morning walks. Over time, memories of what grew alongside those shrubs fade. This winter, there is a welcome flashback.

A branch has died back, allowing the winter sun to warm the ground beneath. When we walked by on the morning of December 29, this swath of snowdrops was there — already in bloom! I’m delighted & so impressed that these galanthus survived all those years of overgrowth. Had they continued to bloom annually despite the darkness underneath the Juniper foliage?

Most articles about growing snowdrops explain that these bulbs prefer partial to moderate shade. I’ve yet to find any that mention dense coverage.

GOERT (Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team) says Native bulbs can lie dormant for many years when covered by invasives. Perhaps snowdrops react the same way? 

Now, I’m curious to see which other types of bulbs bloom here through the spring. What’s next to come? Crocus? Glory of Snow? If we’re really lucky — perhaps our native Shooting Star or Fawn Lily … ❤️

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