Killerton House- 12 February 2017

[David Nicholson]

Quite a nice day today for a change. Cold and 'blowy' but a nice bit of weak sun and a blue(ish) sky so we went to Killerton for our first visit of the year.

It's all about drifts really with Cyclamen coum, Snowdrops and Crocus tommasinianus to the fore with early daffs in good light just opening with loads to come. We could spy a few early Rhododendrons and Camellias in flower under the higher tree canopy but couldn't get nearer owing to path repairs as result of the chain of dire winters we've had and removal of trees blown down in the Autumn gales.

So, to some pics. I'll start with the Cyclamen coum from the Churchyard which I have pictured before many times but it really is a cracking show.

[Maggi Young]

Never ceases to amaze me when I see such carpets of Cyclamen - how lovely they are.

[David Nicholson]

As you would expect lots of Snowdrops. I've no idea what they are (maybe some nivalis, some flora plena and some elwesii )

[David Nicholson]

Crocuses this time probably C. tommasinianus mainly in shades of Lilac with just odd patches of a much darker form.

[David Nicholson]

A couple of Daff shots. Iris unguicularis, Daphne bhuloa 'Jacqueline Postill' and an early Rhodo through the trees

[Alan_b]

As you would expect lots of Snowdrops. I've no idea what they are (maybe some nivalis, some flora plena and some elwesii )

If you want help identifying them you need to get a bit closer with the camera so we can see the form of the leaves and more detail of the flower.

[johnw]

David  - Have you noticed seeded stands of tommiies that are a very washed-out colour?  Is that common?

Certainly have seen it here and wonder if they should be weeded out to let the good colour forms proliferate.

john

[Cfred72]

David, what a wonderful walk you had to do. What a beautiful show it is. With us the Galanthus scarcely leave the earth. With such images, you help us to wait for spring. 

[Leena]

David, what a wonderful walk you had to do. What a beautiful show it is. With us the Galanthus scarcely leave the earth. With such images, you help us to wait for spring. 

I so agree to this. Thank you David.

[David Nicholson]

If you want help identifying them you need to get a bit closer with the camera so we can see the form of the leaves and more detail of the flower.

I'm not that bothered Alan I just wanted to show the scale of the drifts.

[David Nicholson]

David  - Have you noticed seeded stands of tommiies that are a very washed-out colour?  Is that common?

Certainly have seen it here and wonder if they should be weeded out to let the good colour forms proliferate.

john

John, I think there were some patches of 'washy' plants but those were in the minority. If they were weeded out though it just wouldn't be a natural environment, would it?

Thanks everyone glad you enjoyed the pics.

[Gabriela]

David,
The naturalized carpets of C. coum are simply

[astragalus]

David, those sweeps of cyclamens must be overwhelming to see. Loved your photos.  Only C. purpurascens makes it here and I'm happy with little clumps.

[David Nicholson]

Thanks Anne and Gabriela, glad you enjoyed them.