Lots of snowdrops signal much better days are ahead
Snowdrops burst into bloom at a time when we are desperate to grasp the slightest hint of better days ahead, they are a real tonic. And there are few displays able to match those at Howick Hall, whose festival continues throughout this month. Their amazing snowdrop walk is an annual delight for us and judging by the huge footfall last week, we are not alone.
Thankfully, so extensive are the grounds and woodland that despite the large car park being filled to overflowing, there’s space in abundance.
A leisurely walk was taken, guided by a helpful “Snowdrop Explorer Challenge” handout. Refreshments followed in the Earl Grey Tearoom.
Looking out over the great swathes of white that carpet the deciduous woodland walk it’s clear that these relatively easy-togrow plants can thrive in sun or shade, and although literally millions of blooms are an impressive sight, you could always organise a mini display in your own garden.
If so, experience dictates that buying and planting tiny snowdrop bulbs in autumn is not the most rapid or effective way.
Immediate success comes from dividing up clumps of existing plants after the flowers have faded and the leaves remain.
This is what head gardener Robert Jamieson and his team do year-on-year and the proof is in the viewing.
Look for current adverts in the gardening press that offer snowdrops “in the green”.
The basic single petalled species snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, can currently cost £5.95-plus postage for 25 bulbs in the green, a double flowered cultivar with fragrance, “S. Arnott” will set you back £8.95 plus postage for three bulbs.
The current world record price for a single bulb was set one year ago this week; Galanthus plicatus “Golden Tears” went for £1,850.
In botanical terms Galanthus derives from the Greek gala, for milk and anthos, for flower: a white flower.
There are circa 20 species, and they vary in height and form.
The flowering period extends from late winter to early spring.
A random yellow or green splash of colour on a petal is all it takes to turn an otherwise ordinary snowdrop into a star!