Taller than Galanthus nivalis, Galanthus elwesii, commonly known as Greater Snowdrop or Giant Snowdrop, also features larger flowers. Dainty, the nodding, white blooms display a double green mark on the inner petals that sometimes merge into one. They rise atop the foliage of bold, broad, silver-gray leaves which are reminiscent of those of tulips. This perennial is one of the earliest and loveliest spring flowering bulbs, adding several weeks of color and beauty to the garden from late winter - early spring.

Eranthis hyemalis (Winter Aconite) is a charming tuberous perennial that bursts from the ground in late winter (before crocuses) with cup-shaped, upward-facing, bright yellow flowers (1 in. wide or 3 cm), surrounded by divided leafy bracts. The foliage of rich green leaves, divided into several lobes, emerges after the flowers. Winter Aconites go dormant by late spring.

Noted for its unique foliage and the beauty of its flowers, Helleborus Anna's Red (Hellebore) features single, rounded, rich red-purple blossoms adorned with a crown of creamy stamens. Unlike most hellebores, the flowers face outward attracting interest. Opening from dark purple buds, these charming and dainty beauties bloom heavily for weeks from late winter to mid-spring. They rise on sturdy, red stems above a most attractive leathery foliage. Emerging bronzy green in spring, the evergreen leaves display conspicuous bright pink veins which gradually mature to cream, creating a lovely marbling effect that can be admired all year long.

A very popular variety, Hamamelis x intermedia 'Arnold Promise' (Witch Hazel) is a large deciduous shrub of open, vase-shaped habit with sweetly fragrant, bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. Each flower consists of 4 ribbon-like, crinkled, strap-shaped petals and a reddish-green calyx. Clustered along the leafless branches, the flowers unfurl their spidery petals on mild days. But on cold days, they curl up again and nearly close up to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Hardy, this upright Witch Hazel, with gracefully ascending branches, sports broadly oval green leaves, which turn attractive shades of yellow and red in fall.