Galanthus to mid February 2007

[Paddy Tobin]

Telephone line trouble and difficulty in accessing the site when the line was repaired have kept me from my daily visit to the forum but, on the good side, the return is a great pleasure when there are so many photographs to see at once. It really is a brilliant facility, this forum, giving such access to a tremendous range of snowdrops and experiences. Many thanks to Tony, Anthony, Ian, Anne and Mark for the wonderful photographs.

As commented earlier Mark, it does seem that 'Merlin' and 'Tubby Merlin' seem to have been misnamed as 'Merlin' does seem to be the more bulky snowdrop. Glad to hear your travels and talks went so well. Well done! No doubt you have also returned home with a new selection of snowdrops to add to the collection. Anything especially interesting?

Anthony, your clump of 'Sandersii' seems to be in robust good health. I have very little experience with this snowdrop, growing it for only the past two years. While it is growing well I always watch it with hope rather than confidence as the snowdrop book describes is as one which is not the easiest to grow.

Martin, I recall postings about the double spathed 'Magnet' last year which prompted me to get on my knees and examine my clump here and I found one with a double spathe. I lifted the bulb and planted it elsewhere to keep an eye on it. It  is significantly behind the others in coming to flower and I am not sure how it is going to perform this year. Will comment when I can.

The most fabulous weather here this weekend; Friday to Sunday were days when I worked in the garden in a T-shirt and even so clad perspired heavily - well then, I was 'working' and not simply admiring the snowdrops!

And, by the way, does Maggi seem to be becoming more and  more involved and interested in snowdrops? What a turn about for the books. She may even convert to Irish whiskey next now that she is beginning to appreciate the good things of life!

Paddy

 

[Paddy Tobin]

Quick question: Has anyone experience of growing snowdrops in a wetter part of the garden. One part especially of my garden becomes particularly wet in winter. The snowdrops growing there are both late and the bulbs quite small when I lifted them. Comments welcome.

Paddy

[ian mcenery]

When collecting some Potash from the local garden centre the other day I remembered the posting of Nivalis (well not really) Elwesii found in local garden centres in Scotland. The company that does these must have very long arms indeed and an endless supply of Elwesii and possibly others -The labels are the same. I also have a green leaved one coming up. I spent a few enjoyable minutes soting through these and found this one which I thought interesting

Chris S you mentioned Freds Giant from Ian C and Micheal Barron and whether these would be different. I have both and at present the most impressive is Ian's, but maybe they will turn out to be the same.

[Anthony Darby]

The only part of my garden that could be wetter than where my snowdrops are is called "the pond".

[mark smyth]

quite interesting Ian but time will tell

[Paddy Tobin]

So, Anthony, you are developing a new strain of waterdrops?

Paddy

[David Nicholson]

When reading about Snowdrops I often see the term "Greatorex"-could someone tell who or what this is please?

[mark smyth]

David Heyrick Greatorex was a breeder of snowdrops crossing double nivalis with G plicatus. All are named after females in Shakespears plays

[mark smyth]

As supplied to me

'Titania'
'Dionysus'
'Ophelia'
'Jacquenetta'
'Cordelia'

[David Nicholson]

Thanks for that Mark.

[Anthony Darby]

I think 'Ophelia' is my favourite, although I only have 'Dionysus'. My wife thinks 'Grumpy' would suit me better. Fortunately no chance of that one!

[KentGardener]

Thanks for the pictures Mark - that has thrown doubt on my 2 - I think I shall re-label them as just 'Greatorex doubles'.

John

[Diane Whitehead]

No, Anthony.  If you want a Grumpy you will have to make do with a rhododendron.  My nephew made a collection of all the 7 Dwarfs when he was about 12.  It was a good start - he has a degree in Landscape Architecture now.

[mark smyth]

Anthony if you really need elwesii 'Grumpy' I can look for it at the Gala this weekend

John there was discussion of wood chips/bark at East Lambrook Manor. They arent good for snowdrops especially those made from conifers

[Maggi Young]

Seems like Diane's family are making a good job of raising their children to grow the right things! I would like to point out that Rhododenron 'Grumpy' is a neat growing Yakushimanum hybrid which is very hardy and not at all variable!!