The worst weekend weather-wise in a year and our garden will never want for water. Today I had the opportunity to record the progress of some of our snowdrops. And stay dry in the sun. Introduced by nurseryman, Michael Broadhurst, Galanthus 'Ivy Cottage Green Tip' is an elegant addition to the display bench. Its green tips are the distinguishing feature I suppose but I like the way it stands proud. Its name is rather apt and attractive too.
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| Galanthus 'Ivy Cottage Green Tip' |
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| Galanthus elwesii 'Louise Ann Bromley' |
Named after the sister of David Bromley, a well known snowdrop enthusiast from Shropshire, Galanthus elwesii 'Louise Ann Bromley' is notable for the size of its flower and the thick glaucous leaves that are so distinctive. Big does not have to be ugly and the outer petals drooping down like a depressed February Hare (cursed with a third ear) are striking for beauty as well as mass.
Also cursed, this time with one of the worst names given to a noble flower, Galanthus elwesii 'Mr Blobby' has suffered from the driving rain and transportation from its supplier. Anyway it is presently more horizontal than vertical. My solitary bloom has three petals though it may well develop a fourth next year. It does not deserve the name with its gorgeous textured and rounded petals and ovary. I have high hopes of 'Mr Blobby'.
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| Galanthus elwesii 'Mr Blobby' |
Finally, a snowdrop that is hardly ever seen for reasons that defeat me other than lack of suppliers. Despite its diminutive size Galanthus nivalis 'Janet' has real beauty in its flower and fresh blue-green foliage. As it matures it will display deepened green tips and a slight yellowing on the upper part of the inner petals. The clump should thicken out well next year. Small plants look particularly good when bunched together especially when they are this pretty.
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| Galanthus nivalis 'Janet' |
Until I started reading blogs out of the UK, I had little acquaintance with snowdrops. I am surprised by the degree of difference among them. Regrettably, our winters aren't cold enough to grow them, or herbaceous peonies, or stone fruit...The list goes on.
ReplyDeleteI could list the plants you do manage to grow, Kris. And it is a fantastic list, far too long to attempt. Snowdrops differ in small details and believe you me those differences cost. Having friends with the same interest can help in this regard.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered who names flowers and how, but I think Mr Blobby takes the question to a new level...! Lovely flower though :) How tall does Janet grow?
ReplyDeleteWives, girlfriends, mothers, daughters and occasionally even men. "Mr Bobby" was a quite awful British character in an awful show. I once went to stay in the old theme park devoted to the beast. Luckily it had gone belly up and was being turned back into rather attractive parkland. As for "Janet" she is rather petite and under-stated - quite the reverse of "Mr Blobby" come to think.
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