...hint of spring...

...Winter Aconite...

...h and I discovered a patch of these brave yellow flowers today, poking their heads above ground, despite the cold wind and rain. They're called Winter Aconite, and will flower in the harshest conditions. How is it that these and snowdrops are the first to flower each year? What do they gain by flowering in January when there's so few insects around and such a risk of damaging frosts? I'm still looking for answers, but discovered this story by Hans Christian Andersen during my search, and some great ideas for spring crafts from Patricia at kindergarten-lessons. Hope you enjoy them.