Snowdrops. Photo: Stinze Stiens.

Snowdrops. Photo: Stinze Stiens.

The Snowdrop is one of the first of the Stinzenplants that bloom in spring. Nowadays, they start to come above ground in December. The pace of further development strongly depends on the weather. Snowdrops mainly expand due to the formation of new young bulbs, although they can also proliferate by seed dispersal. If the clump of bulbs becomes very dense, the small bulbs will be pushed on the soil surface and can thus be spread over the terrain. The dispersal of the bulbs can be done actively by digging up clumps of bulbs and planting them out. In nature, many Stinzenplants can colonise new areas because they grow on slopes on fairly loose soil, facilitating the spreading of the newly formed bulbs without the intervention of humans. Animal activities can also promote dissemination. If the bulbs are too close for too long, they may start to die back at these places. Later these places may be colonised again by Snowdrops or other spring flowers. Snowdrops are impressive when they occur massively on larger surfaces. The Snowdrops are already beautiful when they are still in bud. The rocking of the plants in the wind is also a beautiful sight. Snowdrops can be enjoyed for a fairly long period.

Dekema State, Hackfort, Jongemastate, Martenastate, Pastorietuin Easterein (Old rectory garden), Philippusfenne and Stinze Stiens are interesting places to see the Snowdrops .