Here are 4 short ways to say the sentence. Each has two fewer words (12 words total):
- Snowdrops are the first small flowers that pop up when snow melts.
- Snowdrops are the earliest flowers to appear after the snow starts melting.
- Snowdrops are first to show their little faces when snow begins melting.
- Snowdrops are the first blooms that appear as the snow melts away.