HIGH winds have caused a great snow flurry.

The Clematis cirrhosa 'Winter Bells' climbing through the elder tree has been shaken by weather loosening petals that have floated onto the borders and path below.

They have created a pale mulch around the emerging snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and snowflakes (Leucojum vernum).

They look best in the evening because they light up the border with an ethereal brightness: Like how snowfall means that some winter nights are never truly dark.

Great clumps are emerging on roadside verges and river banks throughout South Devon.

There are great swathes in Staverton and drifts throughout the Teign Valley.

I have seen wild garlic (Allium ursinum), too.

It is the time for white and green. In my garden there are verdant Helleborus foetidus and H. corsicus, snake-like leaves of Cyclamen hederifolium and glaucous spikes of emerging daffodils.

There are the glossy box balls (Buxus sempervirens) waxy camellias and shining ivy trails.

I can see Iris foliage piercing the brown earth, so too the bronze fronds of Anthriscus sylvestris 'Ravenswing'.

There are moonpennies (Lunaria annua) catching the thin winter light and behind it are dainty pink-tinged flowers of the still-flowering geranium.

The winter-flowering honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) is speckled with white and cream flowers. Its scent, however, is deadened by the cold.

There are very green weeds in the vegetable patch, too. Thankfully, they lift easily because the earth is still so saturated.

More difficult to find are the parsnips because this year's foliage has yet to mark the spot.

It is true that the emergence of fresh foliage means a woodier root as it moves into the secondary growth stage.

And the plant's winter energy reserves are used in sending up the first signs of leafy self-sufficiency to kick start photosynthesis.

It is this vital sign of life that will help me locate the rest of the roots in the coming weeks.

For now I am digging about in the dark.

I am also busy collecting handfuls of Cavolo nero leaves. I have felt indignant at the sight of a flower head threatening to emerge already.

I promptly pinched it out to encourage more leafy growth before seed set.

I am buying time, trying to eke out the best of a tiny crop that is treasured nonetheless.

EXPERTS say that the best way to successfully plant snowdrops is 'in the green'. This means planting bulbs just after they have flowered when their foliage is still green.

I have had limited success with planting dormant bulbs though I think that is due to my well-drained soil because they do tend to like moist conditions.

Experts also recommend planting them away from vigorous perennials that spread by underground rhizomes. These tend to encroach on the delicate bulb growth.

Plant freshly-lifted snowdrops when the foliage is just dying back in late spring

Specialist nurseries sell bundles or pots of snowdrops 'in the green'.

Plant snowdrops in a partly-shaded position in a moist, but well-drained soil. Soil should not dry out in summer.