1 minute read
Gardener’s
Andy Eddy, Head Gardener at Osterley Park & House, writes
“One of the very first plants that brings us joy in the garden each year is one of the smallest and most demure – the snowdrop.
Advertisement
Galanthus nivalis – to give it its correct name –although hailing originally from other parts of mediterranean Europe is now so naturalised in this country that we think of it as a naturally occurring wild flower. There are many types, species and cultivars of these little bulbs and at this time of the year galanthophiles – plant geeks basically – gather all over the country on their hands and knees gazing delightedly at their latest treasure – in fact some of the rarer plants can sell for up £2000 each!
Not only is it one of the most beautiful and graceful of plants it is also one of the toughest and easiest to grow, in fact with a little help a small collection of these bulbs can, over a few years, grow into a large colony producing a wonderful effect at the very beginning of the year.
The best – and easiest – time to propagate these bulbs is directly after flowering a technique that is known as ‘in the green’ due to moving and splitting whilst they are in full growth and when the leaves are bright green - straight after flowering. Just gently loosen the soil underneath a clump with a garden spade or trowel and once lifted out of the ground gently tease apart the bulbs and replant in your chosen spot. In fact these bulbs ‘clump up’ so well that it is always advisable to replant as single bulbs as they will soon grow into large flowering groups (those in the accompanying photo were planted singly only eight years ago here at Osterley!). As this technique is so universal you will always find pots of these bulbs in your local garden centre that can be bought quite cheaply and then split up to make a wonderful display for many years to come.”
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park-and-house
This season take time to listen to the birdsong, build a den in the woodland, stroll amongst the daffodils, or spot the spring bulbs bursting into life across Osterley's peaceful parkland.
nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley-park-and-house
