Snowdrops

We have thousands of snowdrops here at Muirlands. I can take no credit for them - they were here when we arrived, and probably had been since World War 2, at the very least. How do I know this? Well, when we were in practice, we got the odd person in, who had been evacuated here during the war. Barrow, as a naval shipyard, had been an occasional target for the Luftwaffe, who seemed to have managed to hit quite a lot of residential areas as well as their in intended target. The poor victims were temporarily accommodated at our house, it having the necessary space to accommodate the extra family or two. Most had fond memories of their time spent here, but all used to ask 'Are the snowdrops still there?', and were uniformly pleased when I was able to answer in the affirmative.

On a rainy Boxing Day, my thoughts have turned to the garden. Their will be no gardening today - the ground is too wet (though we have luckily escaped the inundations that have afflicted other parts of the county). But I have seen the first signs of their presence - a few green tips pressing through the water logged ground. They will be in their prime in February here - a carpet of white on a grass green background. A sight to behold on a sunny day!

For those who like to know where plants come from - Galanthus (the Latin generic name for snowdrops), are native to Europe and the Middle east. Though they seem to come from drier climes than the British Isles they seem to be remarkably tolerant of our damp ground (that may be because the roots of trees soak up most of the water later on in the season)

Galanthophiles/olics (snowdrop experts/ addicts?) would, I am afraid, be a little disappointed after the initial appreciation of the mass plantings. As far as I can see, we only have the 'bog-standard' single and double forms. If you require something a little more exotic there are specialist growers out there. I list a few at the bottom.

I would like to grow a few of the more exotic snowdrops. Galanthus elwesii is a little larger than most, and the leaves have a bluish tinge to them. Maybe, I'll grow some this year.

Can you and should you grow snowdrops? Oh, Yes! Though they thrive best growing in light deciduous woodlands in the UK, they can be grown in pots, underneath deciduous shrubs, in borders; but most importantly they will delight your soul at a very dreary time of year.

Wishing you all a very Happy 2016,

B

Suppliers (best bought after flowering and planted in the green)

Ashwood nurseries

Dryad nurseries

Broadleigh Gardens

and many more?