Just like Veronica at Through the Garden Gate, I’ve been peering into other people’s front gardens (this one in Maida Vale). Although I’m usually more partial to a blaze of colour: masses of daffodils or riotous tulips, I saw this arresting virginal combination of snowdrops and white crocuses the other day and it really moved me. I love this simple but heavenly effect and plan on borrowing the idea for next spring in my own small patch.
And I don’t think these are just any old snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) either. Possibly Galanthus S. Arnott (please correct me if you know better!), a gorgeous, gently-scented taller variety which looks so great planted alongside these bold snowy blooms.
Again, I’m not sure which variety this Crocus is, but Peter Nyssen have a large white Crocus ‘Jeanne D’Arc’ (15cm tall) which is now on my wish list for ordering later in the year.
These mega Crocuses also looked rather charming as underplanting in pots of Hydrangeas and I shall be keeping an eye open (and camera at the ready) for how these borders and pots progress.
I was stunned by the effect of under-planting an azalea in a large pot with a whole pack of creamy-white crocuses, which happened almost by accident this winter. No need to wait for years for them to bulk up – but possibly the reverse: I may need to thin them out when I re-pot the central shrub.
It made the planting of other new patches of crocuses in the borders seem very youthfully thin on the ground!
They may seem youthful now, but they are great at clumping up. Underplanting with Azaleas sounds gorgeous too. More of this next year!
I love that combination-very fresh and cool. White crocus now added to the Autumn shopping list.
Hi Sue, Fresh and cool, possibly angelic, indeed.
I planted Jeanne D-Arc last fall for the first time. These pictures make me even more anxious for spring to get here. I will need to be patient, spring may arrive in a month or so. We still have a substantial amount of snow to melt, but wow these pictures really help to get me through our winter. Thank you.
Hi Lisa, Blimey!-another month to go…..hope they make a great show. Do send a pic.Naomi
That was a great shout-out about your blog in Gardens Illustrated!
Hi Lisa, Yes, really lovely of JAnet to give the blog a mention!
Never thought to put something pretty like crocuses under the hydrangeas. Perfect to bridge the time when spring starts and we are (finally) outside but with nothing to look at but naked hydrangea sticks awaiting their new growth. Love it!
Hi Caele, yes, I love the idea too. Crocuses are such a welcome early bloom and great for early pollintors too.
I’ve just seen white crocuses over at Alternative Eden too. Do I feel a trend raising its head? I have rather a yen after seeing your photos.
Hi Helen, Yen away! Yes, Seen a few more since I wrote this post, always looking very striking, so delighted if there is a trend for more of these. N x
Now that’s a most eye catching combination. Why do my crocuses invariably look as if somebody has stood on them?
Hi Anna, I notice that stepped-on look as mine are just about over, when I hardly noticed they were there in the first place!
Gorgeous winter white planting. I usually have a love affair with yellows and blues in spring but this also works so well.
Hi Linda, surprised myself too at liking such a white combination, but it just works!
What a lovely combo! And strange that we’ve never seen it before, as it’s an instant classic! Yes, do keep an eye out for how it all progresses… x
Hi Veronica, Instant classic. I love it. Will keep you informed on what other gems there may be in store for the eagle-eyed passer by….N x
shades of Vita! lovely
Quite, quite!
Very subtle but effective match! I liked it too.
Hi Alberto, more subtle than I usually go for, but striking in its simpicity i thpought.
Oooooh now waiting impatiently for my Jeanne D’Arc crocus to flower!!
Nice idea for the planter! Sure it will look awesome.