Splendid snowdrops at the Beth Chatto Gardens

As we find our feet in this new year, we discover ourselves turning our backs on the winter and striding into the garden in search of any signs of spring. For many, this will be the emergent buds of a faithful winter perennial such as helleborus, or the unfurling flower heads of winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis). For me, however it is the appearance of the humble snowdrop that heralds the true sign of spring. January, February and March are the ideal time to see galanthus in all their glory, although it should be noted that they can be found as early as October due to autumn flowering varieties.

Whether it be in large swathes, often seen with Galanthus ‘James Backhouse’, Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’ or Galanthus ‘Mrs Macnamara’ such as we have in the garden, or as small individually potted specimens of rarer or more unique examples, such as Galanthus nivalis ‘Scharlockii’, Galanthus plicatus ‘Blue Trym’ or Galanthus plicatus ‘Wendy's Gold’, for me they all herald the excitement of the new year to come.

Superstitions and legends

With over 2500 known cultivars, these native European bulbs are now successfully grown all around the globe and are known by many names- the fair maids of February, candlemass bells, dingle dangles, Eve's comforters and snow flower are but a few. There are also many legends and superstitions that are associated with the snowdrop. The name Eve's comforters is believed to have come from when Eve was weeping in the garden of Eden as there were no flowers in winter. A passing angel took pity on her and breathed on a snowflake and snowdrops sprung up everywhere. As a counterpoint, Greek legend tell us of how the Earth turned to winter when Persephone was taken to the underworld and snowdrops were one of the plants she brought back on her return, but because they came from the underworld, they are considered to be unlucky. In garden folklore it tells us that before moving snowdrops, one should always tell the snowdrop what is happening, otherwise they will not thrive in their new location and yes, I do have a conversation with every snowdrop I dig up from the garden!

Planting 'in the green'

If you are thinking about adding snowdrops to your garden, now is the ideal time to do so. Often supplied 'in the green', in full leaf and/or flower, freshly dug and frequently wet wrapped and ready for planting, they are a great addition to most gardens. If you already have snowdrops in your garden, you will find that they will benefit from being lifted once every three to four years and the clumps of bulbs divided and replanted. Thereby stopping the clumps from becoming congested and restricting the bulb and flower development. The ideal time to do this is just as they are finishing flowering and developing seed heads. Enjoy the blooms this year, then lift and replant ready for the next three years.

So, if you come to Beth’s Garden to see the spring flowers and you happen to see me in the woods digging up snowdrops and apparently talking to myself, just remember, I'm talking to the snowdrops and making sure they know what’s going on.

Find our full range of snowdrops HERE.

Written by growing manager Marc