A three week Galanthus Blog

[Alan_b]

I went to the RHS halls today ... It was a great day though and the crowds were gone when I arrived at 2.30pm. 

I looked out for you as you had said that you were going but did not see you to introduce myself.  I left at around 2:30, so we might not have overlapped.

[kentish_lass]

I went to the RHS halls today ... It was a great day though and the crowds were gone when I arrived at 2.30pm. 

I looked out for you as you had said that you were going but did not see you to introduce myself.  I left at around 2:30, so we might not have overlapped.

Thats a shame Alan - I never knew you were going.  I looked out for John in his camoflauge but could not see him.  I had a hat on so you may not have recognised me   Thanks for the help with the flower-less bulbs....WHEN it stops raining I will dig them up and inspect them.
Jennie

[KentGardener]

I have never been and should go

You say that every year Mark    Next year you must attend.   

[johnw]

And a few pics of the drops put up before the joint rock:
3 -  'Trumps'

Note the diferent ovary shapes on Trumps. Diagnostics out the window I guess.

Lovely shots John.

johnw 

[Lesley Cox]

I looked out for John in his camoflauge but could not see him. 

He was too well camouflaged.

[mark smyth]

Very true John but I cant afford to fly in to a London airport and would have to arrive at Stansted or Luton. How easy is it to get to the show from those airports?

[Thomas Seiler]

From Stansted it is quite easy, Mark. There is even a bus to Victoria Station, which you do not have to change... and even cheaper than Stansted Express train and tube. Victoria Station is in walking distance to the horticultural halls.

[Alan_b]

The quickest way from Stansted is to take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, change onto the Victoria Line there, get off at Victoria Station and take the District & Circle line eastbound from Victoria to St. James' Park (next stop).  Probably a bit over an hour end-to end.

[KentGardener]

The quickest way from Stansted is to take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, change onto the Victoria Line there, get off at Victoria Station and take the District & Circle line eastbound from Victoria to St. James' Park (next stop).  Probably a bit over an hour end-to end.

I would say that 'Victoria to St James Park using the underground train' is unnecessary... as by the time you have done that you could walk to Vincent Square.  

[KentGardener]

Friday morning I left my home at 6am as normal, but instead of the usual trip to work I was starting out on a day trip to see friends and snowdrops.  I had been invited by Angela Whinfield to meet up with Emma, Mavers and Jo at Snape Cottage Garden in Dorset.   Four hours after leaving home I arrived at my destination to be sat down with a nice strong cup of builders tea and a lovely selection of cakes.  My reason for travelling down to Dorset was not to look at birds but I found myself astounded at how many different ones were visiting the garden - some of which I have never seen in real life before.  I was absolutely amazed to see how bright a bullfinch is.

One quick aside: I noticed this graffiti out of the train window on an industrial estate 15 minutes from my final stop.....  could this be a "Banksy"?....



A few bird pictures I took through the window while having elevenses.









There were loads of wonderful Helebores in this garden but these are a couple that caught my eye.





Another attractive plant – Chrysoplenium macrophyllum



Some of my chums for the day:  Emma, Angela and Jo





Another very enjoyable Galanthus trip out on which I ate too much as usual (the most delicious home made butternut, carrot and chilli soup - salivating just typing about it  ) – almost too long travelling on trains (just over 7 hours in one day!) – but worth it to visit such a wonderful garden and meet with like minded people.

Snowdrop pics to follow.

[KentGardener]

Sadly we had a mist present all day so the sun never managed to shine through.  These were the best pics I managed in the lower light levels.

1 - little seedling (that was anything but little!   )
2 - 'Springvale'
3 - 'Erway'
4 - 'Icicle'
5 - 'Swanton'
6 - big gracilis (I always love the colour of gracilis ovaries)
7 - 'Aunt Agnes'
8 - 'Ilse Bilse'
9 - 'Clare Blakeway Philips' (supposedly virused but I can see why people who have the space find a place for it).
10 - 'Dodo Norton'

[art600]

John

I am definitely leaving you to take the photos on Sunday.

[Brian Ellis]

Thanks John, good to see G.'Swanton' doing well down there, Jane-Ann will be pleased.  I rather like Hagen's 'G.'Ilse Bilse' and G.'Springvale', not one I had come across. 
...and two of my favourite birds Jo and Emma whoops typo  , goldfinch and long-tailed tit.

[RichardW]

hopefully our regular Red Kite (can get up to 3) will make an appearance tomorrow, never had my camera to hand but has no fear of people at all, is a BIG bird to have flying low over & looking at you.
 
just glad I didn't say Saturday, is horrible out there today.

[Sean Fox]

Thanks again John, some very attractive birds on those photos 

Can I ask what camera you're using as you seem to be getting some very good shots with low light levels?