Little cheaters

(In case you’re wondering who I am: apologies for abruptly changing my username. I decided to forgo my tired old handle of “gufo_x” and go with my actual name instead.)

These crocuses are often the first thing I see growing when spring approaches. This, or snowdrops right next to them.

I call them “cheaters” because they are planted right on top of our hot-water mains. Their soil is slightly warmer than the surroundings - easily visible yesterday, when snow still covered the entire courtyard except a straight line leading right up to these. So they have a head start to anyone else.