Out of my shed

I’m just about to order Snowdrops for this year, but there is a sizeable debate as to whether to plant Snowdrops (Galanthus) as bulbs in autumn or ‘in the green’ (when the plants are growing) in winter. I’ve always planted mine ‘in the green’ at this time of year as this seems to be the more successful route, but some true galanthophiles say they have more success from bulbs. I think I will try some bulbs next autumn, but the key may be to buying bulbs from reputable suppliers so that they have not become too dried out and are still viable.

If you already have Snowdrops in your garden, you can divide them once they have flowered in February and they will soon clump up again over the next few years. However, if you have space to fill, then order now, so that bulbs will arrive in February at the right time to plant in your garden.

Galanthus 'S.Arnott'

Galanthus nivalis is probably the most commonly grown in gardens, but there are many other varieties to choose from too such as G. ‘S.Arnott’ which reaches about 9 inches, has lovely large, rounded flowers and a delicate scent. The nursey at Great Dixter in Sussex offers several varieties, including Galanthus ‘Atkinsii’, G. ‘Washfield Colesbourne’ and G. ‘S.Arnott’ and prices range from £3-£5 per plant. If you’re into collecting snowdrops, Harveys Nursery in Suffolk sells more than 70 varieties which cost anything from £4 to £35 per bulb! For larger quantities , Jacques Amand have fewer varieties to choose from but at very good prices and this is who I shall be oredering the bulk of my Snowdrops from this year.

If you’re uncertain as to which Snowdrops to plant , then put the RHS spring show dates into your diary. The show takes place in London at the RHS halls in Victoria on February 15th and 16th with ‘some of the UK’s best nurseries showing a spectacular array of spring flowering plants to tempt gardeners’. Not to be missed!