Just hold on... spring is almost in the air
The best tonic has arrived, snowdrops are now blooming
Given the continuing pandemic and recent storm consequences, we’ve all looked for something uplifting and positive to maintain our well-being. Many have found this in home gardening, walking, and following country pursuits, in the relative safety of open air. Now, the best tonic of all has arrived. Snowdrops are blooming and local hotspots renowned for their beautiful displays are open to the public.
They bring a message loud and clear. ‘Hold your resolve a few weeks longer, spring is on its way.’ Golden carpets of winter aconites (eranthis) are blooming in support and the first flowers of Cyclamen coum (pink) are just emerging. Meanwhile, the opening of swelling buds on witch hazel ‘Pallida’ is imminent. Better news still, this gallant group of early plants open the floodgates to a diversity of worthy followers.
Undoubtedly the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is the star of the show. You can find swathes of it in a countryside, woodland or parkland setting, thriving in partial shade, or tolerating full sun.
Best time to introduce these plants is immediately after the flowers fade, which is when nurseries offer bunches, ‘in the green.’ As they become established the bulbs produce offsets, thus increasing your stock. If you have mature clumps, they too can be dug up and separated into smaller groups for replanting.
Despite recent storm damage to precious woodland trees, our local visitor attractions remain accessible.
Howick Hall Garden and woodland is renowned for the annual Snowdrop Festival which is about to begin. It opens daily to the public from this Saturday, February 12, 10.30am until 4pm. The Alnwick Garden is open daily from 10am until 6pm. Wallington is also open daily. The walled garden from 10am to 4pm, woodland from 10am until 5pm. Get along to visit any of these venues and I guarantee it will lift your spirits.
Wallington gardeners have planted 400,000 snowdrops in recent times, adding to those already in existence, and I gave up trying to estimate the number of snowdrops at Howick some years ago but do know this is a plant that sports and hybridises quite readily.
Therefore, more species than G. nivalis will exist within those swathes of millions but finding them would be like looking for a needle in a haystack!