Photo Courtesy of Anne Wright
My recent snowdrop additions include ‘Snow Fox’ and ‘Beluga’ from Webbs in Cheltenham, whilst I have my eye on Anne Wright’s ‘Dryad Remus’ as I am particularly fond of strong green petal markings. I was also very lucky to be recently gifted some ‘Trymposter’ and aforementioned ‘Wendy’s Gold’ and so I’m currently giddy with Galanthophilia!
Gloucestershire has of course played a huge part in snowdrop history, I guess we could market ourselves as ‘Galanthophile’s Gloucestershire’?!
It was Henry John Elwes of Colesbourne who discovered Galanthus elwesii in the 1800s and the grounds of Colesbourne Park continue to attract Galathophiles from across the globe. Open weekends take place throughout this month, with a special Snowdrop Study Day on the 11th February. (Details on booking this special day can be found online).
Another great snowdrop with a county connection is Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’, introduced in the late 1800s by John Atkins from Painswick. The Rococo Gardens are the spiritual home of this wise old specimen and today has one of the largest naturalistic plantings of snowdrops in the country. Meanwhile, Rodmarton Manor boasts over 150 different snowdrop varieties, including Galanthus ‘Rodmarton’ found there in the 1970s!
For something different, how about a ‘Snowdrop Appreciation and Painting Day’ on 1st February at Broadwell Manor? It is essential that you book online for this most interesting workshop, hosted by the lovely Rachel De Thame. Wherever you go, may the magic of the milk flower surround you!
Daffodils reach their peak in March, but February shows no shortage of noteworthy Narcissi with ‘February Gold’ sticking to its name and springing to life this month. Pseudonarcissus and cyclamineus (hilariously once described as “a blonde bombshell on the back of a motorbike” on account of its backwards windswept petals!) also launch their charm offensive. We are lucky to live in the heart of the Golden Triangle of Kempley, Dymock and Newent as the Gloucestershire/Herefordshire border lays claim to one of the most impressive displays of wild daffodils in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile breeding of daffodils continues across the world with some American breeders setting their sights on ‘micro miniatures’. I will be chairing an RHS trial on another group of daffodils, the Division 6 cultivars, starting next month and very much look forward to watching our candidates as they grow.
Crocus never fail to disappoint and the displays outside Cheltenham College or in Pittville Park offer annual aesthetic pleasure. I also frequently enjoy a trip to RHS Wisley towards the end of February and beginning of March, when the conifer lawns proudly present their luxurious purple crocus carpet, which in 2023 dazzled me as I filmed them alongside Curator, Matthew Pottage, for ITV’s ‘Love Your Weekend’. Taylors Bulbs recently introduced me to a particularly interesting cultivar called ‘Gipsy Girl’ – gold with a bronze stripe – but here comes the sensational selling point – it’s scented! (Order from
www.bulbs.co.uk)
Of course, bulbs are the gardeners’ gift which keep on giving, as the months ahead bring promise of tulips, alliums, lilies, nerines and more, meaning they are never far from our horticultural hearts.
If you’re keen to find out more about bulbs, then might I suggest you order a copy of the ‘RHS Daffodil, Snowdrop & Tulip Yearbook’ – readers of Live24Seven can get hold of this glossy 128 page book for only £15.50 posted straight to your door! Produced every year, the latest copy showcases over 50 new snowdrop introductions, investigates double daffodils along with wild Narcissi abroad and champions exciting collections of tulips just over the border in Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. RHS Trial results and show reports also feature, accompanied by a plethora of superb photographs. Perfect for yourself or any bulb loving friends you know!
Email John at
gibbo.john@
ntlworld.com and mention Camilla to secure your copy now!
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ENTERTAINMENT THROUGH THE GARDEN GAT E
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