Snow drops (Galanthas nivalis)

Galanthas nivalis, also known as Snow drops and Maids of Febrauary, come up in bunches during the month of February. Galanthus means 'milk flower' and nivalis means 'loving snow'. These little beauties are symbolic of regeneration and carry the message of hope. There is a legend that says that it is bad luck to cut these flowers to bring in to the house.

These beauties attracted little pollinating visitors. While I was taking pictures of the flowers in the sunshine there were so many bees!

Snow drops are the first true flowers of the year to bloom in my garden.

I am currently reading  Chrysalis, Maria Sibylla Merian and the Secrets of Metamorphosis by Kim Todd. This is an amazing book that explores the topic of metamorphosis and the gorgeous art work and scientific discoveries  of Maria Sibylla Merian while she traveled and painted in Surinam.
I have been thinking a lot about the process of metamorphosis and what is our potential as humans for deep and meaningful change in our lives just as the lives of caterpillars that transform into a pupa and then into a completely new and different being capable of flying. Maria Merian was an extraordinary artist who went through her own transformation and I am inspired to read how it is indeed possible.
As Spring approaches quickly, the bees are pollinating Snow drops and the Blue birds are now part of the woods here, I am reminded that everything is in a state of flux, and we too are capable of evolving into new beings along side of nature.