Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: KentGardener on February 07, 2011, 07:20:51 PM
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Following on from my little Madeira Blog a few weeks ago ( http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6401.0 ) it seemed a popular idea that I do similar for my Galanthus wanderings! :) I'll start off this short blog off by mentioning that any thumbnail pictures can be clicked upon to view them in a larger form - I have chosen to embed them within my text to try and make things flow better ;)
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It's that time of year again where I find myself dashing from one end of the country to the other. Last year I traveled from Hampshire to Aberdeenshire and stopped off at half a dozen counties on the way. The hospitality of plants people and forum members is bloody brilliant. 8) This year is going to be a completely new set of places - I wish I could visit all the wonderful places again from the previous years - but there are only so many weeks in a snowdrop season. :-\ Maybe next year?..... ;D
This years 'Galanthus season' started for me yesterday with forum members Art600 and Kentish_Lass coming to see my little collection. I have been embarrassed to let anyone see my snowdrops before as my garden is tiny and it seems that 50% of the other people growing snowdrops have the odd half acre or three to display wonderful swathes of drops at their best! Mine are all shoe horned into a 45ft x 17ft garden behind a run of the mill terrace house (if anyone wants to leave me an acre in their will it would be VERY gratefully accepted :-*).
Arthur and Jennie arrived at 10am for refreshments and an hours look round my garden to start our day. I was expecting my 'grand tour' to take about 10 minutes but was pleasantly surprised when we realised that we had spent over an hour and there was still lots to see.
We had to leave my house at precisely 11.15 to drive over to Carolyn Millen's NGS open day that was starting at 12.00. Arthur, organised as always, had things timed to perfection and we pulled up outside Spring Platt at 11.58. Carolyn's enthusiasm for snowdrops is one shared by her daughter Julie and together they have been building up a wonderful collection of different Galanthus. In the last few years they have become seriously interested in chipping their bulbs and there are countless frames with 1 year old, 2 year old and 3 year old chips coming along. Some of the bulbs in the garden are in small numbers at present but seeing how many pots of 'babies' there are I think that in a couple of years there will be many fantastic clumps of some wonderful beauties.
Luckily for Carolyn it is not just her daughter that can help out in the garden, her husband John is very handy with a saw and hammer and has created some excellent raised beds to display the 'drops at a height they can be appreciated without getting wet knees (well, maybe Jennie's knees ended up just a bit damp ;)).
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John has also built them, what reminded Jennie and I of a snowdrop take on an Auricula theatre. John intends to extend this area by another sleepers length this year to give his wife and daughter even more space to show off their joint collection in a great way.
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As we wandered a few drops caught our attention, as is always the case! Firstly Reverend Hailstone - then I remembered that I had again been attracted to it the previous year in another garden and had talked myself out of acquiring one as to my mind "it wasn't different/special enough for my small garden" - but seeing it in the flesh once again it is a really nice big drop. Should I? Shouldn't I?....
Another flower that attracted mine and Jennie's eye was 'Fenstead End' - it looked like the flowers were going over but a wonderful dark dark green inside mark.
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I think 'Rogers Rough' is a lovely plant in my garden and it was great to see it looking just as happy in somewhere else's - such a good do'er.
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I'm always attracted to the yellows (and the green outered, and the fancies, and the spikies, and.....) and this was one I have not come across before - 'Windsor Yellow'. I would be interested to compare it to other sandersii.
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It was so windy up on the Millen's hill that I was glad I remembered my hat. Arthur had forgotten his! Luckily, when we were starting to feel the cold we were tempted by the smell of Carolyn's homemade vegetable soup (which was absolutely delicious - I'm salivating just typing about it! :P) and freshly cooked bread so we found a sheltered spot to hug our mugs of soup and thaw our fingers a little.
A couple of more general shots including that wonderful view from their garden over the Weald of Kent.
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Arthur and Jennie returned to my house to finish looking at what I had in flower. Imagine my surprise then when Jennie was studying my drops and pointed out that there was 'Fenstead End' - it was two non flowering bulbs that I had completely forgotten a very kind friend had sent me a few months earlier while they were dormant, I am very much looking forward to seeing them flower next year.
Receiving yesterdays positive comments about my garden, and the extra bonus in that I managed to give away a few more pots of my surplus 'drops to my unsuspecting guests it turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable day. Unfortunately the next two days will not be quite as much fun as I must be in the London office!.... but then I head down to Devon for the next instalment of this short blog..... ;)
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Very good Idea
thanks for sharing
Roland
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Brilliant. Cant wait for the next instalment.
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Good to have the blog started, John, and I look forward to your reports and photographs on your journeys.
Your first garden visit report was interesting. The "auricula-gallery" approach to displaying snowdrops is certainly a new one to me and, to be honest, one I won't be imitating. Interesting to see what other people do all the same.
Paddy
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Thank you John, for your story and the excellent pictures. Carolyn's garden looks especially attractive, wonderfully set out with the 'drops so well displayed. I envy her her lovely views too.
You'll show us yours as well please.
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John
I look forward to the next instalments and regret I will not be with you.
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Thanks for doing the decent thing John, a good start and we can't wait for the next colourful episode ;D
ps don't buy another G.Percy Picton ::)
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Very good idea Kentgardener. I blundered my chance to come to GB this year, but you give us all a chance to have a look into a great number of gardens and to meet galanthophile. And I have no problems wish the language ;).
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Wonderful start John, really looking forward to the coming 3 weeks of instalments :P
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Excellent work John,keep it up
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Thanks John and Jenny for all the nice remarks about Spring Platt. Pity about the weather - it was so cold and if there had been some sun the snowdrops would have opened up more.
Julie and I are off to Yelverton to Matt Bishops Day on Thursday so may see some of you there.
Carolyn
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Hi Carolyn,
Good to have you with us. Your snowdrop beds are certainly a major work, more that I would do as I prefer them in the ground, but it does show them off well.
Paddy
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Carolyn
Maybe by the time you read this we will have met at Yelverton, but the photos suggest a seriously organised approach to snowdrop growing. Your post describes you as a "Newbie" but I would guess that you are far from a newbie as far as gardening is concerned. And three house-points to your husband for the civil engineering work. Narcissus fly is going to have to be pretty determined to get down through the gravel mulch.
Steve
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A great account of the day. I look like I am paying obeisance to the snowdrops :D
Look forward to hearing about your galanthus gallivanting
Jennie
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Well here I sit in Devon. After a full day in the London office yesterday I travelled down to Exeter on a 3 hour train journey after work. Jo Hynes very kindly met me from the rail station and drove me the 45 minutes to 'Cherubeer Gardens' where she lives with her lovely husband Tom. Mark Smyth was already here, as he flew in Tuesday (and I am very jealous of the snowdrop day he and Jo had!.... :P) to give two talks about 'swifts' on Wednesday. Alas it was completely dark when I got here so no photos for this entry in the blog - but as only I and the dog are awake at 6am I thought it a good opportunity to write an entry.
Jo prepared a fantastic evening meal for us and we then sat for a couple of hours pouring glasses of wine and pouring over a couple of copies of Galanthomania (or is that pawing over ;)) exclaiming "ooh, look at this one on page **" or "I didn't know that about them". Alas it was then time for bed as we have an 8am start today to take us to 'The Garden House' for the snowdrop day being hosted by Matt Bishop.
I know how everyone love pictures - so have dragged this one out, that I took in my own garden on Tuesday, just so there is a bit of colour in this blog posting. 'Lady Elphinstone'.
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Colour? You call that colour?? ;D
Thanks for this next episode John. Seems as if snowdrop people are very hospitable, but then, just about all gardeners are. :) Best wishes for the snowdrop day with Matt Bishop. There should be plenty of pictures from that.
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Woke on Thursday morning to this view from my bedroom window.
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You can imagine how much I wanted to go out and take a closer look.... but, alas, Jo's Garden will have to wait until another day's account as we had to wolf down some delicious toasted treacle soda bread that Mark had brought over from Ireland and then jump into the car for the 1 hour drive to Yelverton.
The morning was filled with an informative lecture from Chris Brickell on the Caucasus, an amusing talk covering a year in Alan Street's snowdrop life and a mouth watering slideshow of new Snowdrop cultivars by Matt Bishop. We also had time for coffee and mingling at half time. A thoroughly enjoyable morning that had me scribbling copious notes that I will no doubt get home, scratch my head, and think "what does that say?.."
Then a convoy of cars headed off to 'The Garden House' for a delicious cottage pie lunch followed by sponge and custard. A very sensible announcement was made that the "snowdrop sales would not start until everyone finished eating" - I think if this hadn't been said some may have eaten their food rather quicker than is good for them! One of my friends suggested we order a second helping just to delay things by an hour - but then decided that may have instigated a lynch mob being formed! ;D People started drifting outside ready for the sales areas of the 'Garage' and 'potting shed' to throw open their doors to those of us suffering, from what Alan mentioned in his talk as, OCSD (Obsessive Compulsive Snowdrop Disorder).
With my 'personal obstacles' to large gatherings, I found the two sales rooms a bit too claustrophobic and had to get outside pretty damn quick. :-\ But there was still plenty of fabulous snowdrops and other plants on offer even after the initial crush had subsided.
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A few people happy with their acquisitions
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Our attempt at a group photo - but we managed to miss off at least 5 other SRGC members - sorry!
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Spring had sprung at 'The Garden House'
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Greetings to the happy forumists, but I saw some other wellknown galanthophile too.
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Some photographs taken around the garden.
'Esther Merton'
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'Green Arrow'
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'J P Long'
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Just a small part of this beautiful garden
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Alas it rained all day - but EmmaT was dressed for it.
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'Fly Fishing' - I have fallen for this plant big time and it is now top of my wish list!
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'Toby' (I think I have the name right?)
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After such a great day, and after having done all the driving, Jo still managed to find the energy to prepare a Chinese banquet. And boy! What a banquet! Roast duck with pancakes, prawn omelette's, vegetable noodle stir fry, Chinese tea. I was sooooooo happily stuffed full of food at the end.
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Alas my day was spoilt slightly when it came time to leave the Garden House. We were among the last to depart and when I went to get my waterproof Berghaus coat it was missing from the coat rack. It is the black coat I have over my camo jacket in the group photo. Hopefully someone has picked it up by accident but I am going to be lost without it this week on my Galanthus wanderings if we are expecting rain. If anyone reads this and realises they have taken it by mistake could you please contact me on here or Matt Bishop at the Garden House. Many thanks.
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looks very soggy, but at least the frogs are happy, went out late last night with the dog and passed a lot making their way to the ponds, agree about Fly Fishing, is very nice!
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Hi John,
It's good that the bad weather is not impinging on your enjoyment of the event. It does look like our weather here at the moment, lots of wet.
In the first photograph above, there is a man almost in the centre of the shot with a camera on his chest and looking towards you who certainly puts Steve Owens in mind to me.
Is that Emma Thick with the (almost) camoflage clothing looking at the cyclamen and again with her woolly hat holding her treasured purchase.
I recognise Mark with snowdrop in hand coming out of the outhouse and Jo in the bottom left hand corner of the first shot and I think you with a bunch of snowdrops - though they all look the same. (And here comes Maggi with her comment)
G. 'Esther Merton' looks very nice and 'Fly Fishing' also, the latter very like G. 'Fishing Rod' in my mind, lovely long pedicles which allow the flowers to swing around in the breeze.
Continue to enjoy and report.
Paddy
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I knew I shouldn't have looked at this blog! What treasures, have to agree with 'Fly Fishing' comments too, but one that has taken my eye is clutched by someone who had to rush out of the sales area in his hat? Very long outers on it. Good to see a photo of 'Esther Merton' too. Thanks John.
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Oh, I see that one now, Brian. Yes, that is interesting.
Paddy
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Is that Emma Thick with the (almost) camoflage clothing looking at the cyclamen and again with her woolly hat holding her treasured purchase.
Yes indeed, although if it's camouflage clothing it looks to be a feminine version with a floral motif - jungle camouflage perhaps? Emma is famous for her knitted hats with snowdrop motif.
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Fantastic photos under trying conditions.
It looks as if everyone had a great time - was the sales table cleared? and there is still the Gala to come.
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John
I can not say what I like more happy faces or beautiful garden or lots of different snowdrops! :)
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The Garden House, spectacular cultivars, arms full of snowdrops and Chinese food - no wonder so many big smiles.
Jo - Is the two-tiered metal pot on the table a rice-warmer?
johnw
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Is that Emma Thick with the (almost) camouflage clothing looking at the cyclamen and again with her woolly hat holding her treasured purchase.
Yes indeed, although if it's camouflage clothing it looks to be a feminine version with a floral motif - jungle camouflage perhaps? Emma is famous for her knitted hats with snowdrop motif.
;D yes that's me, i don't like to get cold and wet so dressed for the occasion , i didn't intend to merge with the background ;D
And yes that's me with my 'big boy ' I just hope it grows for me :-\ I have been after it for some time.
All in all a fantastic day was had by all. I hope the garden house holds another study day next year :)
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I knew I shouldn't have looked at this blog! What treasures, have to agree with 'Fly Fishing' comments too, but one that has taken my eye is clutched by someone who had to rush out of the sales area in his hat? Very long outers on it. Good to see a photo of 'Esther Merton' too. Thanks John.
;) everyone was asking what it was ::)
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I knew I shouldn't have looked at this blog! What treasures, have to agree with 'Fly Fishing' comments too, but one that has taken my eye is clutched by someone who had to rush out of the sales area in his hat? Very long outers on it. Good to see a photo of 'Esther Merton' too. Thanks John.
It was a ******* ;D everyone was asking what it was ::)
Emma - I was going to keep them guessing for days on that one ;D
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now you can :)
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Excellent accounts of plant hunting. You are lucky to be able to visit these places to acquire such gems.
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now you can :)
I could spoil it and tell all what it was as I read it before you changed it........but I won't ;)
John, another great entry to the blog. I don't think I've seen so many happy smiling faces on one blog before. Obviously some very good purchases made by all :)
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but one that has taken my eye is clutched by someone who had to rush out of the sales area in his hat?
No wonder I couldn't find the man in his hat.... seems you meant the charming EmmaT..... good grief, if that's not a woman I don't know what sort of glasses I can get to help me.....so..... in HER hat, then.... and a very nice hat, too, Emma!
It's a treat to see all the happy faces but if there's a wider, sweeter smile in the whole blog than Emma's I'll be surprised. Says everything good about enjoying the flowers.
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Maggie,
I think it's John who has the hat....ie the snowdrops are in his hat :)
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Maggie,
I think it's John who has the hat....ie the snowdrops are in his hat :)
Aha! Yes, NOW I see... the 'drops are IN his hat! Good grief, I must need a lie -down... and now, of course, I see the 'drop with the llooooonnnnnnnggggg outers!
Thanks, Sean.... so long as someone's paying proper attention, eh? :-[
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It makes a change for me to be paying attention Maggie ;D ;D
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What a great time you are having John - apart from the missing jacket. Hope you get it back.
My eyes were immediately drawn to the collection of snowdrops in your hat and by the smile on your face I am guessing they are yours :)
I cannot imagine what gorgeous snowdrops were on those sales tables - what temptation. Shame about the rain but you still got some lovely shots, and the snowdrops look nice with raindrops on them. Lovely drifts of Cyclamen and nice winter planting schemes.
Thanks for keeping us updated - I really enjoyed reading your account.
Looking forward to more.....
Jennie
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Just back home after a fabulous Wed/Thurs/Fri staying with Jo and Tom in Devon. After departing from them I went down to Torquay for a night with someone who used to work with me 10 years ago - I tried to get her to be interested in snowdrops but when I showed her my purchases, gifts and swaps she said "they are so pretty, is that one meant to be orange in colour" - my heart skipped a beat, due to excitement, until I glanced into the box and saw it was Eranthus 'Orange Glow' she thought was one of the snowdrops ::) ;D
Describing what an enjoyable and fabulous time I have had will be very difficult so I shall let my photographs do the talking. There will be two posts following this one.
This post shows some pictures, that turned out OK, of snowdrops around Jo's garden - as the snowdrops is usually what we get to see.
1 - 'Alison Hilary'
2 - 'Blond Inge'
3 - green tipped hybrid
4 - another green tipped
5 - Ikariae doing rather well
6 - 'Quadripetela'
7 - 'Trymlet'
8 - unknown
9 - 'Little John'
10 - Jo's green tipped seedling
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The next post from Jo's is of the lovely pets and animals I have shared my last few days with....
A mad puppy called Lottie, 4 scardy cats (I managed to befriend two of them), and some rather funky chickens with the most ridiculous 'boots'. ;D
Also Jo has one or two rather nice clumps of Cyclamen. ;)
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On Wednesday and Thursday it was really frustrating that the most I saw of 'Cherubeer Garden' was by torchlight :(, Except for a fleeting glance out of my bedroom window before we rushed off to Matt Bishops day on Thursday.
Luckily on Friday we had no plans other than 7 snowdropy people visiting for a wander around looking at the plants and garden. Below are some photos I took that day.
The day was finished off to perfection with fresh cooked bread rolls, coffee cake and chocolate cake that Jo somehow managed to create between the time she cooked a full English breakfast for Mark and me - and out guests arriving before midday. :P 8)
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P.S.
I've received a text message this afternoon from people attending the Gala to say my jacket is no longer A.W.O.L. and is going to be reunited with me on Wednesday. ;D
Perfect end to a perfect few days.
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John, (http://s.rimg.info/bb8182c284c32d99c6c6db2a56d0d0e7.gif)
Please more! I love garden full of snowdrops, I love outstanding hellebores and of course I love coffee cake! :)
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I suspected that Jo's garden was great and now I know for sure that the woman herself is equally great...... look at the evidence of dinner and that baking (coffee cake is my favourite!)....... WonderWoman at work! 8) 8)
Jo, I salute you :-*
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John how did you get those lovely pictures of Jo's pets. They all kept perfectly still. Did you promise them some chocolate cake.
Some beautiful pictures there. Thanks for brightening up my cold, dull and damp day.
Angie :)
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WonderWoman at work! 8) 8)
Jo, I salute you :-*
I have to agree with you Maggi. 8)
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those chickens are not just pets...... ;) ;D
In the last few days my 'Chinese banquet prawn omelettes', 'full English breakfast (with 3 fried eggs for me)', and 'coffee/chocolate cakes' were partly due to those beautiful fancy footed birds.
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John I love reading your Blog, even when there are rather many pictures of only white flowers ;D ;D
But that will be evident with a Galanthus Blog.
But now seriously, I like it and look forward to the coming pages :D 8)
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P.S.
I've received a text message this afternoon from people attending the Gala to say my jacket is no longer A.W.O.L. and is going to be reunited with me on Wednesday. ;D
Perfect end to a perfect few days.
John
Good for you. I left my camera at the Garden House and can't raise them to see if its been handed in. What a wally.
Steve
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Wow, what a wonderful account of your trip. Fantastic photos and I love the fact you included the pets - it helps set the mood of Jo's place. What an absolutely beautiful garden she has. I love the pollarded Willows with snowdrops, the woodland walk with the beautiful Cyclamen....and those green tipped snowdrops are gorgeous, especially the last one. So much to see - thanks for sharing it with us.
I want to go through the photos again but am off to bake a chocolate cake after seeing Jo's on the table :) I am thoroughly enjoying your blog John - cannot wait for more. What camera do you use - it takes lovely photos?
So glad to hear your jacket has been found - what a perfect ending. Steve - hope you get your camera back - I am sure it is safe.
Jennie
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All those stunning plants and gardens, superb cooking, best of friends! My word John, what a hard life you've been leading. ;D ;D ;D
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Your Blog is captivating John 8)...Brings out the personal link really well...
Please keep it going.. :)
Cheers
Warren
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John,
A lovely set of shots of Jo's garden and it is a delight to see it. Certainly, Jo has created a wonderful garden, a great selection of plants in a fabulous setting and all set off by delicious cakes. Perfect!
Paddy
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P.S.
I've received a text message this afternoon from people attending the Gala to say my jacket is no longer A.W.O.L. and is going to be reunited with me on Wednesday. ;D
Perfect end to a perfect few days.
John
Good for you. I left my camera at the Garden House and can't raise them to see if its been handed in. What a wally.
Steve
Steve, if you have any more difficulty contacting the Garden House next week please let me know and I will pop over there. If you do contact them and they have any problem with returning your camera to you then I would be happy to collect it and mail it on to you.
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John
Thanks for the outstanding shots of an outstanding garden produced by Jo and her husband Tom.
You must have thought you had died and gone to heaven :)
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Mark here
last supper with Jo and Tom :(. The coffee cake is now finished. I think I have put on weight. Home tomorrow with 100s of photo to edit. It feels like I have been away forever
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Fantastic blog John & your camera worked a treat despite the rain.
Looking forward to meeting you again at Snape on Friday.
Can anyone guess who's holding Green Brush?
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ermmm :-\ ;D ;D
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Can anyone guess who's holding Green Brush?
Well, if the rest of the person looked like this.....
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then it might be Emma.... but that ain't Emma with the GreenBrush!
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Can anyone guess who's holding Green Brush?
Well, if the rest of the person looked like this.....
(Attachment Link)
then it might be Emma.... but that ain't Emma with the GreenBrush!
Maybe she's the one who scoffed John's coat. ???
johnw
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Do the the manly thumbs give it away?? ;D
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Can anyone guess who's holding Green Brush?
Well, if the rest of the person looked like this.....
(Attachment Link)
then it might be Emma.... but that ain't Emma with the GreenBrush!
Maybe she's the one who scoffed John's coat. ???
johnw
I think the coat has been found ( i didnt have it :P )
Nice outfit Maggi.
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Nice outfit Maggi.
Careful Emma, you've caught the galanthus bug, don't get infected with the camouflage bug or that hat will have to change ;D ;D
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Sunday I came down with a stinking cold. :(
Today I was in the office working for the morning and then did my usual brisk journey to the RHS halls near Victoria station to arrive at about midday. I do enjoy this day each year, out of the many Galanthus days, as this one has people from all over the country (in a room with lovely high ceilings). Pic1.
Upon entering the halls I did find myself getting rather anxious seeing just how many people had crammed in this year but luckily I immediately was met by Melvyn and then I managed to relax into the annual meeting of Galanthophiles. The next two hours were filled with chatting with old friends and meeting new ones. This really is a day that is worth attending each year as you never know just who you will bump into. ;)
As I was feeling under the weather I didn't take as many pictures as I normally would - and some of these are not the greatest but will hopefully give a feel for the day.
There were many other SRGC members in attendance so hopefully someone else will post some better pics in the main February thread as this is the best I could managed for my 'blog' while I am suffering form "man flu"! ::)
2 - Avon Bulbs
3 - Foxgrove
4 - Lockyer
5 - Trymposter
6 - Gloria
7 - An unnamed seedling on Avon bulbs stand - reminded me of the greatorex ones that David Quinton, Brian Ellis, Richard Hobbs and I found a couple of years back - I want to try and compare the pics when I get time.
8 - Greenbrush - some nicely marked ones.
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Thanks for showing these, John, it looks a bit of a crush. Did you see Ashwood's Hepatica display? Any pictures (please)
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And a few pics of the drops put up before the joint rock:
1 - nivalis 'Witchwood' (lovely looking flower now in my wanted top ten ::))
2 - nivalis 'Witchwood'
3 - 'Trumps'
4 - 'Margaret Biddulph'
5 - 'Rodmarton Arcturus'
6 - 'Rodmarton Arcturus' card
7 - 'Godfrey Owen' looking fantastic
8 - 'Godfrey Owen'
9 - well deserving
10 - Margeret Owen with Godfrey Owen
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Thanks for showing these, John, it looks a bit of a crush. Did you see Ashwood's Hepatica display? Any pictures (please)
Hi Diane
I was feeling under the weather so didn't take as many photos or pay as much attention as usual. Maybe this is the stand?
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Thanks John, most interesting to see. Isn't that 'Witchwood' a stunner, I know I've seen 'Rodmarton Arcturus' for sale in someone's list but had no idea what it was like.
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John,
I look forward to this day each year for, although I have never been to the RHS Halls, I am always able to have a peep in thanks to your photographs.
A lovely selection of snowdrops as always.
With thanks, Paddy
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And one year I will make it :'(
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1 - nivalis 'Witchwood' (lovely looking flower now in my wanted top ten ::))
John - you will find the background to this snowdrop on pages 88/89 of the 2005-2006 RHS Yearbook
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Avon Bulbs have a new snowdrop called "Trympostor" which looks like "Trym" but isn't. I was slightly miffed because I had already coined that name for a snowdrop that johnw was referring to as "Trym impostor" because it had been supplied to him as "Trym" but wasn't http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4921.75 . I pointed that out to Alan Street on the Avon Bulbs stand today, but my name did not really have a snowdrop to attach itself to, so we concluded that is was a good example of "great minds think alike".
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Hi Diane I was feeling under the weather so didn't take as many photos or pay as much attention as usual. Maybe this is the stand?
Maybe it is, thanks, John
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Thanks John, most interesting to see. Isn't that 'Witchwood' a stunner, I know I've seen 'Rodmarton Arcturus' for sale in someone's list but had no idea what it was like.
Brian - the Snowdrop Company were selling it this year for £40. I nearly ordered it but plumped for Rodmarton Capella - wish I had ordered 'Arcturus', it is lovely.
I went to the RHS halls today but need to download my photos. I do not expect them to be nowhere near as clear as Johns as I was having low light level problems. It was a great day though and the crowds were gone when I arrived at 2.30pm. Will post some photos tomorrow.
Jennie
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I have never been and should go
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I went to the RHS halls today ... It was a great day though and the crowds were gone when I arrived at 2.30pm.
I looked out for you as you had said that you were going but did not see you to introduce myself. I left at around 2:30, so we might not have overlapped.
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I went to the RHS halls today ... It was a great day though and the crowds were gone when I arrived at 2.30pm.
I looked out for you as you had said that you were going but did not see you to introduce myself. I left at around 2:30, so we might not have overlapped.
Thats a shame Alan - I never knew you were going. I looked out for John in his camoflauge but could not see him. I had a hat on so you may not have recognised me :) Thanks for the help with the flower-less bulbs....WHEN it stops raining I will dig them up and inspect them.
Jennie
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I have never been and should go
You say that every year Mark ;D Next year you must attend. 8)
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And a few pics of the drops put up before the joint rock:
3 - 'Trumps'
Note the diferent ovary shapes on Trumps. Diagnostics out the window I guess.
Lovely shots John.
johnw
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I looked out for John in his camoflauge but could not see him.
He was too well camouflaged. ;D
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Very true John but I cant afford to fly in to a London airport and would have to arrive at Stansted or Luton. How easy is it to get to the show from those airports?
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From Stansted it is quite easy, Mark. There is even a bus to Victoria Station, which you do not have to change... and even cheaper than Stansted Express train and tube. Victoria Station is in walking distance to the horticultural halls.
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The quickest way from Stansted is to take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, change onto the Victoria Line there, get off at Victoria Station and take the District & Circle line eastbound from Victoria to St. James' Park (next stop). Probably a bit over an hour end-to end.
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The quickest way from Stansted is to take the Stansted Express to Tottenham Hale, change onto the Victoria Line there, get off at Victoria Station and take the District & Circle line eastbound from Victoria to St. James' Park (next stop). Probably a bit over an hour end-to end.
I would say that 'Victoria to St James Park using the underground train' is unnecessary... as by the time you have done that you could walk to Vincent Square. :)
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Friday morning I left my home at 6am as normal, but instead of the usual trip to work I was starting out on a day trip to see friends and snowdrops. I had been invited by Angela Whinfield to meet up with Emma, Mavers and Jo at Snape Cottage Garden in Dorset. Four hours after leaving home I arrived at my destination to be sat down with a nice strong cup of builders tea and a lovely selection of cakes. My reason for travelling down to Dorset was not to look at birds but I found myself astounded at how many different ones were visiting the garden - some of which I have never seen in real life before. I was absolutely amazed to see how bright a bullfinch is.
One quick aside: I noticed this graffiti out of the train window on an industrial estate 15 minutes from my final stop..... could this be a "Banksy"?....
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A few bird pictures I took through the window while having elevenses.
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There were loads of wonderful Helebores in this garden but these are a couple that caught my eye.
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Another attractive plant – Chrysoplenium macrophyllum
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Some of my chums for the day: Emma, Angela and Jo
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Another very enjoyable Galanthus trip out on which I ate too much as usual (the most delicious home made butternut, carrot and chilli soup - salivating just typing about it :P) – almost too long travelling on trains (just over 7 hours in one day!) – but worth it to visit such a wonderful garden and meet with like minded people.
Snowdrop pics to follow.
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Sadly we had a mist present all day so the sun never managed to shine through. These were the best pics I managed in the lower light levels.
1 - little seedling (that was anything but little! ;D)
2 - 'Springvale'
3 - 'Erway'
4 - 'Icicle'
5 - 'Swanton'
6 - big gracilis (I always love the colour of gracilis ovaries)
7 - 'Aunt Agnes'
8 - 'Ilse Bilse'
9 - 'Clare Blakeway Philips' (supposedly virused but I can see why people who have the space find a place for it).
10 - 'Dodo Norton'
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John
I am definitely leaving you to take the photos on Sunday.
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Thanks John, good to see G.'Swanton' doing well down there, Jane-Ann will be pleased. I rather like Hagen's 'G.'Ilse Bilse' and G.'Springvale', not one I had come across.
...and two of my favourite birds Jo and Emma whoops typo ;D, goldfinch and long-tailed tit.
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hopefully our regular Red Kite (can get up to 3) will make an appearance tomorrow, never had my camera to hand but has no fear of people at all, is a BIG bird :o to have flying low over & looking at you.
just glad I didn't say Saturday, is horrible out there today.
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Thanks again John, some very attractive birds on those photos ;)
Can I ask what camera you're using as you seem to be getting some very good shots with low light levels?
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Hi Sean
It's just a fuji finepix HS10 - I take loads and loads of pictures and hope to get one good'un out of every 15 or so taken. The wonders of digital. :)
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just glad I didn't say Saturday, is horrible out there today.
So am i - we have localised flooding here.
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Photos are superb John, it was good to meet you & Jo again.
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Thanks John, good to see G.'Swanton' doing well down there, Jane-Ann will be pleased. I rather like Hagen's 'G.'Ilse Bilse' and G.'Springvale', not one I had come across.
...and two of my favourite birds Jo and Emma whoops typo ;D, goldfinch and long-tailed tit.
Brian, my husband suggested that the 'old jokes' are always the best ;) then qualified himself with 'not that I'm suggesting you're an old joke ' :o :o Hmmmm, revenge :-\
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Lovely photos John - I love that spotted/webbed double Hellebore, never seen one like that before. Dodo Norton is a lovely snowdrop even with the flowers closed, reminds me of decorations on a Christmas tree. Excellent bird shots. I must try to take a few of birds one of these days.
Jennie
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(The thumbnails in this post can be clicked to see a larger version of the image)
The dilemma! Do I post here or under the events thread. I think best to start here so I can look back over this in a few years time - but I'll also pop a few pics in the other thread too. :)
This morning at 8.55 Art600, Art's mate Dan, and Kentish_Lass (Jennie) arrived at my house. We had a quick rearrange of the contents in Arthur's car boot as I needed space to fit in a couple of trays of 'chuck outs' and a box full of sausage rolls. Todays trip is planned to Bennington Lordship in Hertfordshire, where Richard has organised an SRGC gathering of forum members. As usually Arthur has planned the journey to perfection and we arrive at our destination with a few minutes to spare (and time for Jennie to grab a fag! ::))
As we walked up the drive I knew it was going to be a good day - this was our first view!
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Then it was down to the serious business of cake 8)
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This is the window to the room we were eating cake in!
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During and after stuffing our faces with everyone's delicious cakes and Jennie's amazing savoury cheese scones, that I couldn't stop scoffing, I took charge of the 'swap shop'. Hopefully everyone went home with something they are not already growing. 8) I came away with a 'Modern Art' to replace the clump I lost to botritis a few years ago. Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures during the dividing of drops as my hands were covered in dirt - but here are a couple of photos taken afterwards.
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Then we suddenly realised that we had spent so long stuffing our faces and swapping drops that it was only 30 mins before Joe Public arrived so we dashed outside to go and look at Richard's wonderful collection before the masses!
Looking up at the main house.
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a view from the balcony
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More to follow.....
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By jove, I'm surprised anyone would let you into a tea-romm with such a smart window ;)
For more photos and info about how this 'Snowdrops and Cake' meeting at Benington Lordship came about see thissi thread: http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=6221
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nice shot of the window ;)
until that room was converted a little over 5 years ago it was never really seen by anyone (the tea room being on the other side of the hosue) & was virtually covered in stacked boxes in the store room inside, is even more impressive from the inside, hopefully someone got some pics.
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Richard was a prefect tour guide (he has had lots of practice with coach trips arriving at Bennington Lordship every week). After walking past the house we entered 'the moat' (which really was a moat hundreds of years ago). We were told the story of how the drops were discovered in the moat - all due to a goat :o but you will have to visit to hear the story..... ;D
1 & 2 - Moat
3 - our merry band
4 - lovely catkins
5 - The long border (I hear these are fantastic during the summer months)
6 - Admiring some of the specials
7 - Jennie (KentishLass) and Ali (a Lurker - hopefully soon a member ;)) admiring a snowdrop.
8 - David Quinton went down and gave Richard a 'chipping workshop'- two years later they are coming on. 8)
9 - A dogs bum
10 - Heading back for more cake!
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
c-o-f-f-e-e cup cakes
John could you add names to the last photo? There are faces there I dont know. Meeting various forum members it's a mazing how many do not look like their forum avatars. Last week I didnt know who Mavers was when he spoke to me. John F looks different also and I saw him without his bovver boy clothes on LOL
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
c-o-f-f-e-e cup cakes
John could you add names to the last photo? There are faces there I dont know. Meeting various forum members it's a mazing how many do not look like their forum avatars. Last week I didnt know who Mavers was when he spoke to me. John F looks different also and I saw him without his bovver boy clothes on LOL
Oh Mark,
How could you be so ungentlemanly as to pass such a comment on a ladies clothing! Emma is dressed perfectly for the occasion.
John, more names would be interesting. Good shots and lovely report.
Paddy
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Mark! :o I am wearing the same clothes I was wearing 4 years ago.... :D
Names to last pic:
KentishLass, Gail, Emma's mum, EmmaT, Ali (lurker), Chas, Chas's misses Janet, Art600, Dan (Art's mate), Simon (hubby of Ali the lurker)
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John,
You have a great way with words: "Simon - husband of Ali the Lurker". I hope the name doesn't stick.
Paddy
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John,
You have a great way with words: "Simon - husband of Ali the Lurker". I hope the name doesn't stick.
Paddy
And they are not even married either Paddy! :o ;D
(but they are best friends of mine from my jungle garden jaunts so I hope I can get away with it ;))
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John,
thanks for the write up, and bringing half of your garden with you ;D
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Great to see your write up John and a reminder of how nice Benington Lordship is at this time of the year, I can vouch for the fact that those long borders are amazing later on in the summer. Looks like you all had a great time.
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
SO WHAT :-[ . They have been through the wash . I shall be waring them again next weekend too >:(
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
SO WHAT :-[ . They have been through the wash . I shall be wearing them again next weekend too >:(
You tell him, Emma! 8)
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[size=7pt
(and time for Jennie to grab a fag! ::))
My secret is out :)
A great account of the day John and lovely photographs....as usual. Thanks for posting them
Jennie
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....wearing the same clothes as last week....
If we need a new set of clothes for every snowdrop event we attend, then I am in big trouble.
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
SO WHAT :-[ . They have been through the wash . I shall be waring them again next weekend too >:(
I should not confess this as it gives away my age BUT the leggings I am wearing are from the FIRST time leggings were around over 20 years ago.....just with longer elastic in them :) Beat that for old!
Emma, I loved your trousers and would love a pair like that myself for days like today
Jennie
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Emma, Jennie, Charles, Art, John, Richard
Enjoying your travels. it appears you all had a marvellous time at Benington Lordship and hope you've each landed some wonderful new acquisitions. It is rather surreal to see you all wandering around these magical spots with green grass and snowdrops while here just getting to the greenhouse across a sheet of ice is a challenge. I swear next year we'll come back for a good smattering of events and those cakes.
On to the next event, who's next, John going to the continent?
Spent the day repotting nasty Primula allioniis and to be sure the next month getting them cleaned up.
johnw
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I should not confess this as it gives away my age BUT the leggings I am wearing are from the FIRST time leggings were around over 20 years ago.....just with longer elastic in them :) Beat that for old!
Hi Jenny roughly same age ,a lovely set of thermal longjohns and vest,
army surplus stores in wonderful brushed and looped cotton in avery fashionable Khaki combat colour.
;) Just right for those chilly starts.
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SHOCK HORROR :o its raining today and im wearing my waterproof trousers again ;)
( and i didnt wash them last night )
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SHOCK HORROR :o its raining today and im wearing my waterproof trousers again ;)
( and i didnt wash them last night )
Then I better not horrify the whole forum by telling you when Ian's waterproof kit was last washed, Emma ::) Not quite before pandas became endangered, but near enough!
He says the rain cleans them
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Emma T I never meant to cause upset and I apologise. There was a smiley at the end of what I said but maybe it wasnt noticed. sorry
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I shall have to spend more money on clothes and less on plants :'( if i am to have a different outfit for every snowdrop day ;)
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I shall have to spend more money on clothes and less on plants :'(
What a dreadful thought Emma, you'll get drummed out of the brownies. I shall be wearing my warm stuff again today as we have snowdrop lunch visitors, and I can't afford anything new as I bought some lovely things at the Gala ;D
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....wearing the same clothes as last week....
If we need a new set of clothes for every snowdrop event we attend, then I am in big trouble.
Coo, me too, I must knit a few new wooly jumpers :D :D
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SHOCK HORROR :o its raining today and im wearing my waterproof trousers again ;)
( and i didnt wash them last night )
;D ;D ;D
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Emma is wearing the same clothes as last week :o :)
Ouch :o
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Now a married bloke would never had said that we have learned the hard way :P
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Now a married bloke would never had said that we have learned the hard way :P
We certainly have David, although some are faster learners than others :)
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Too true! ;D
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Now a married bloke would never had said that we have learned the hard way :P
David I just love the things you come up with. I just laugh or smile at so many of your posts. :)
Emma I bought a new jacket last week just because I was looking through photos and I had the same jacket on in every photo and some of the photos were years old. You do have your favourites. I would rather buy plants than cloths. ::) ;D
Angie :)
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Have a look at this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/
Scroll down a bit and you will come to a photograph - you will know it when you get there.
Paddy
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Paddy why have they blurred Emma's(it is Emma isn't it) face out,I'd just like to say the hat is fantastic,i've asked my better half to knit me something along them lines.
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Have a look at this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/
Scroll down a bit and you will come to a photograph - you will know it when you get there.
Paddy
Well done ladies fame at last !!!! ;D
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Davey,
I presume the blogger took the shot unknown to Emma, doesn't know Emma and thinks it would be inappropriate to publish her photograph without her permission.
I presume the photographs shows Emma's mother as well.
Paddy
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Yesterday I woke at my usual work time and caught my usual train to work, but this was the start of a journey to get me to a station near Cambridge. Alan Briggs had invited me up to visit the Anglesea Abbey snowdrops again and suggested that I make a day of it by visiting a couple of areas that he has found interesting drops in the past.
We had a quick pit stop at his house for a cup of tea and so that I could meet his lovely wife Corinne again. While at Alan's he showed me his newest find from a couple of years ago. A great looking flower that I hope does well for him as I would love to be growing it.
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It was then time to visit the area where Alan found 'Green Light'. This was an interesting population of Galanthus but after 30 mins of searching all we spotted was one patch of green leaved nivalis and a few green tipped ones. But the area itself was beautiful so we did spend some time wandering around and enjoying the local landscape.
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It was now time to go to the new area that Alan had found that wonderful flower in the previous post. I put on the blindfold and ear muffs that Alan supplied and sat back for the drive to the new location that rambler friends of his had introduced him to. (I am kidding about the blindfold and earmuffs ;D ).
Upon arrival I jokingly said to Alan that I was going to find one of the nice flowers that he had previously found - imagine how much my heart was fluttering when within 5 minutes I spotted this. :o Not as nicely marked as his previous find but taller growing.
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Once my eyes were tuned into the green tips I started seeing quite a few - none with exceptional marks but every one we spotted added to the excitement of a most enjoyable morning.
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At this point I spotted some rather odd flowers in another area - now these can't really be called desireable - but they were certainly interesting in the fact that we then kept finding them. Normally I would think that these kind of anomalies are a one off that will never be repeated - but the fact there were so many separate instances made us wonder if there was something going on in the genetics of this population. Alan is going to have a look next year to see if the weirdness is being repeated.
It was now time for us to leave and make our way to Anglesey Abbey - unfortunately Alan spotted something that surprised us both - YELLOWS! :o We only had 15 minutes to look for these but spotted a few in that time.
All in all another very interesting area that Alan has found in which I thoroughly enjoyed drop spotting.
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What an exciting snowdrop expedition. I would have been having kittens if I found only one of those! That one similar to Alan's but taller is very nice. In a weird way I like the deformed ones with a petal coming out from above the ovary as well. It reminds me of a tusk.....it could be called TUSK....a friend for Walrus :) Were these all nivalis or was there a mixture of species in the second 'secret' location?
Great photos, thanks for showing us your finds.
Wish I knew somewhere good to go snowdrop spotting. I only have churchyards full of nivalis and I find it a bit creepy! There must be somewhere in the middle of the Kentish countryside, I am sure.
Very nice,
Jennie
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What an amazing place for snowdrops John :o :o
My heart is skipping a beat just looking at what you found
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Have a look at this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/
Scroll down a bit and you will come to a photograph - you will know it when you get there.
Paddy
Ha snowdrop hat ladies ! i shall have to go all out and knit something for them to see next year.
WOW what a woodland :o
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Some amazing finds John and Alan, puts me in mind of the nivalis illustrated in Jože Bavcon's book about snowdrops in Slovenia (I think). What a great day.
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What fun you two had. I guess with all that strangeness going on there's a good chance of finding a yellow with yellow outers too :D maybe even a yellow walrus ;D
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Yellow walrus........we can dream 8)
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Hi Emma ,
here is maybe something for you :
http://cgi.ebay.de/waldorf-zwergenkreis-schneeglockchen-gros-/330532775740?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_77&hash=item4cf549e73c
Hans
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What an exciting snowdrop expedition. I would have been having kittens if I found only one of those! That one similar to Alan's but taller is very nice. In a weird way I like the deformed ones with a petal coming out from above the ovary as well. It reminds me of a tusk.....it could be called TUSK....a friend for Walrus :) Were these all nivalis or was there a mixture of species in the second 'secret' location?
Great photos, thanks for showing us your finds.
I believe there is already a snowdrop named 'Tusk' :-\ ???
These woods with snowdrops and eranthis are really lovely. Thanks to John and Alan for taking us along. 8)
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Thank you Hans, thats lovely :)
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Emma ,
a little later I found a lot od similar things more :
http://shop.ebay.de/?_from=R40&_trksid=m570&_nkw=Schneegl%C3%B6ckchen
Kind regards
Hans
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Sorry I didn't complete yesterdays account but I had to leave home at 6am this morning and am only just back again....
After being delayed by the discovery of the yellows we made a mad dash to Anglesey Abbey for the snowdrop tour at 2pm. Had 25 mins spare to grab a sandwich (I forgot how expensive things are in National Trust venues :o).
The tour was informative and interesting as always - and I was happily surprised this year to find that they have planted out a new area. When I went previously I thoroughly enjoyed it (as shown in this thread: http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=1260.msg31618;topicseen#msg31618 ) but was pleasantly surprised to find a completely new area planted up with special snowdrops this year. I would love to write more but am becoming increasingly knackered with all the train journeys I am doing (another 7 hours added to the total today when I popped up to Peterborough - but that entry to the blog will have to wait until tomorrow) so will let the photos speak for themselves.
All I will add that if you go to Anglesey Abbey and like snowsdrops you really should try and get a ticket for the tour of the specials.
1 - the start of the tour takes you through the wonderful 'Winter Walk'
2 - the amazing sight that greets you at the end of the 'Winter Walk'
3 - the start of the snowdrop tour
4 - a view of the ditch I had seen on my previous visit
5 - part of the new area with raised levels planted with "specials"
6 - another view of the new display area
7 - 'Ailwyn Fairhaven' in case you were wondering who the snowdrop was named after
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And a few of the drops that Anglesey Abbey are growing to perfection.
1 - 'Diggory' (Why can't I grow this for more than two years without it disappearing!)
2 - 'Henrys White Lady'
3 - 'Kirtling Tower' - I have so wanted this since seeing it in 2008. Last years swap for one of my 'Godfrey Owens' was unsuccessful as I ended up with a 'seedling of 'Kirtling Tower''. :-X
4 - one of those "love it or hate it" flowers. 'Moses Basket'
5 - 'Peter Joy' - I rather like the look of this one. Like the lovely 'Pat Mason' but with the added bonus of puckered petals. 8)
6 - 'Dreycott Green Tips'
7 & 8 - a couple of 'nivalis spikey group'
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4 - one of those "love it or hate it" flowers. 'Moses Basket'
I wouldn't bother with it in my garden, but I imagine some people will like its oddness. To me it just looks deformed.
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Wow John - beautiful snowdrop photos. I like that Moses Basket, another one for the wish list. Henry's White Lady is so elegant and Peter Joy is beautiful. Incidentally, I spotted Pat Mason on ebay last night (being sold by a reputable seller) and NO I am not bidding. I have finished for this year!
I wondered John if maybe Diggory does not like the mix you make for your baskets and needs a slightly different mix? Or maybe try it directly into the ground for a year? Just a thought.
Anglesey Abbey looks beautiful and I must try to make it one day. Thanks so much for taking the time to document your trip and share the lovely photos - especially after such long train journeys :)
I look forward to hearing more over the next week - Enjoy yourself
Jennie
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Good reports, John. Lovely garden and good selection of snowdrops but you could keep those odd-shaped ones.
Paddy
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that ' Moses Basket' is really nice!I like the odd ones.
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I'm with loes moses basket is a winner for me as well,its one couldn't walk past without having a look.
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that ' Moses Basket' is really nice!I like the odd ones.
Me too :) Have you noticed the length of the ovary on Moses Basket? Very long. Strangely though, it is all of the 'odd shaped' snowdrops that I have lost this year ???
Jennie
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Great reading John,more to follow after the week end no doubt.............Enjoy Germany
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Davey,
I'd certainly give it a look but I'd keep walking then. Paddy
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Davey,
I'd certainly give it a look but I'd keep walking then. Paddy
;D ;D ;Dthat fair made me chuckle Paddy
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much more exciting than my day.
Peter Joy - my label said Peter Fry or Try. It didnt come back this year :'(
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I loved the first spikey John.
Great pictures. I thought the white birches were amazing when I saw them last year, underplanted with black Ophiopogon as I recall to really emphasise the contrast, black and white. Saves on mulching too :) :)
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Nice to see 'Kirtling Tower' again John, we'll get it one day :-\
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I wondered John if maybe Diggory does not like the mix you make for your baskets and needs a slightly different mix? Or maybe try it directly into the ground for a year? Just a thought.
My latest thinking is that he gets too moist in the summer months as my garden gets a lot of watering due to the jungle garden planting. If I do try it again I shall keep it in a pot and on the dry side for summer.
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I wondered John if maybe Diggory does not like the mix you make for your baskets and needs a slightly different mix? Or maybe try it directly into the ground for a year? Just a thought.
My latest thinking is that he gets too moist in the summer months as my garden gets a lot of watering due to the jungle garden planting. If I do try it again I shall keep it in a pot and on the dry side for summer.
That could be it as mine was the only bulb in the bed that was rotting. Richards Diggory at Benington Lordship was in dry shade right at the base of trees and thriving.
My next one goes into DRY shade too.
Jennie
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good to know that ,now I have Diggory after 3 years searhing,must look for a dry place to plant it.most of my garden is wet,in winters,and some bulbs don`t like that.another few rotted this year so I have to move a lot of them.
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Great photos again John, I've actually gone out and bought a HS10 and must say it's a very decent camera indeed. You never know I may even get to the point where I can post some photos on here ::)
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Tuesday was another long day - left home at 6am and once again caught the 6.15am train to London. On arrival in the capital a tube train then sped me to King's Cross ready for the next leg of my journey to Peterborough. I arrived at my destination to meet SRGC member CaroleSmith. I had met Carole a couple of weeks ago in Devon so I was pretty certain I would recognise her.
My train pulled in a little early and I found myself loitering in the station ticket hall. I saw someone who looked slightly like Carole and smiled at her, 2 minutes later I grinned at her again, and then again - at this point she looked like she definitely didn't want anything to do with me and I decided it wasn't Carole after all. ::) Then I spotted my host for today sitting in her car outside and rather quickly excited the ticket hall.... :D
Carole has the size of garden that I dream of - big, but not too big. I found that I was sharing today with a professional garden journalist (and felt a little inadequate at how small my one was.... camera! ;D).
1 - a professional photographer
2 - a garden view
3 - 'Woozle' - I was glad to see the flower on this as I have grown it for a few years and am still waiting for the bulbs to bulk up to flowering size.
4 - 'Wasp'
5 - a pod of 'Walrus' (collective nouns if anyone is wondering! ;))
6 - 'Trumps'
7 - Trym seedling
8 - 'Tatania'
9 - 'Springwood Park' (one of Carol's finds)
10 - 'South Hayes'
to be continued after my dinner....
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and rather quickly excited the ticket hall.... :D
Tell us more!
johnw
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It was great visiting a garden higher up the country than mine as stuff that is past it's best in my own garden was still looking nice in Cambridgeshire.
A quick few more pictures from Carole's while things are cooking.
1 - 'Doncasters Double Charmer'
2 - 'Erway'
3 - 'Fieldgate Fugue'
4 - 'Blithe Spirit'
5 - 'Trotters Merlin'
6 - 'Green tips curled spathe'
7 - 'White Dream' - nice clump but not sure why it was a dream?
8 - 'The Whopper' - tall, big leaves, large ovary, erect stem. I expected a larger flower for some reason. :-\
9 - 'Sarah Dumont' - I thought this looked great - really stood out to my eyes. 8)
10 - 'Imbolc'
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And a couple of Hellebore that attracted my attention before we set out for out afternoon visit to Cliff Curtis's garden.
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Then I spotted my host for today sitting in her car outside and rather quickly excited the ticket hall.... :D
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Sorry John,
I've got to ask what exactly you did? ;D ;D ;D
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and rather quickly excited the ticket hall.... :D
Tell us more!
johnw
he's talented, what can we say! :o
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1 - a professional photographer
Can anyone identify the camera. If it is a Hasselblad medium format digital body approx £10,000 plus 300mm approx £3000 it would be interesting to see if the pictures are any better than Johns.
It's a great Galanthus blog this year, I'm looking forward to more updates.
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excited
that will be my awful spelling!
What I actually did was leave quietly! ;)
Can anyone identify the camera. If it is a Hasselblad medium format digital body approx £10,000 plus 300mm approx £3000 it would be interesting to see if the pictures are any better than Johns.
It's a great Galanthus blog this year, I'm looking forward to more updates.
Thanks Rob - it is nice to know that the time spent resizing pics and posting is appreciated. :)
Here is the best pic I have of her camera - is it really worth ten grand plus? :o Good lord. :o
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I have to make a correction to John's statement about Springwood Park. I was on a trip, some years ago, with Joe Sharman when his expert eye 'found' it, I seem to remember being cold and tired and consuming Mars Bars. It was however a very educational and enjoyable trip with a share of the 'finds' now well established in my garden, i.e. 'Springwood Park' and 'Bunch' along with some others which do not have names. It was good to see John and I am pleased he enjoyed his day.
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WOW a real woodland garden. Carole, what are your trees?
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Predominantly Lime trees Mark with TPO's on them. We had permission to remove three Ash trees shortly after we moved in 10 years ago. They do provide nice dry summer conditions for the snowdrops but the roots are very invasive and we have an awful lot of stones.
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....and consuming Mars Bars.....
I wish you hadn't mentioned 'mars bars' ::) - I am now just back from the corner shop and have already consumed one!.... ;D
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Here is the best pic I have of her camera - is it really worth ten grand plus? :o Good lord. :o
I'll change my mind on the lens after seeing this picture I think it is a 120mm macro, but the price is probably similar.
I've often seen professional photographers with two dslr cameras, one on each shoulder, worth about £5000 inc lenses each, plus flashes and maybe an extra battery to power the flashes. I guess over ten grand might be the ballpark figure for professionals.
Do you know which publication she worked for, probably not a specialist gardening magazine, or she would have had more portable gear.
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Hi Rob
That lens was to take a picture of the garden owners, who had been artistically posed in a flower bed 20 ft away.
There was a VERY large padded bag of other camera bits.....
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I've often seen professional photographers with two dslr cameras, one on each shoulder, worth about £5000 inc lenses each, plus flashes and maybe an extra battery to power the flashes. I guess over ten grand might be the ballpark figure for professionals.
With all that, how do they carry their piece of chocolate cake? ;D
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ummmm Mars
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Lovely woodland garden Carol!!
Appreciate all your work providing these pictures of your travels John.
Mike
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The lady photographer is a freelance.
I can now appreciate the difference a good camera (and photographer) make. Thanks for that John and also thanks for your kind comment Mike.
I am slightly less apprehensive about opening for NGS for the first time on Sunday. Cliff and Joan Curtis are also open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and it is possible to combine both gardens even though we are approx. 40 mins apart.
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Thanks for that John and also thanks for your kind comment Mike.
I am slightly less apprehensive about opening for NGS for the first time on Sunday. Cliff and Joan Curtis are also open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and it is possible to combine both gardens even though we are approx. 40 mins apart.
Carole, I hope you have lots of happy visitors on Sunday and that the sun shines on you.... visiting the two gardens sound like a lovely way to spend the day.
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The lady photographer is a freelance.
I can now appreciate the difference a good camera (and photographer) make. Thanks for that John and also thanks for your kind comment Mike.
I am slightly less apprehensive about opening for NGS for the first time on Sunday. Cliff and Joan Curtis are also open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and it is possible to combine both gardens even though we are approx. 40 mins apart.
hoping to visit on Sunday, is our last open day and I'm determined to visit at least one garden this year, have a spare seat so if if anyone is on route up A1M and would like a lift let me know, will be leaving Stevenage about 10 ish, weather permitting :D
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After a most enjoyable morning looking at snowdrops Carole then kindly chauffeured me to visit Cliff and Joan Curtis. Upon arrival we were invited to share a delicious home made soup with warm crusty bread and a selection of cheeses, all washed down with a cider and apple cake (yum yum - ask Carole to add the recipe to cooks corner ;)).
Once again, as has been the norm for my snowdrop visits during 2011, the weather was not great - a damp chilling cloud cover that sucked the heat out of your body. Cliff, Carole and I started out but Carole only managed managed 20 minutes before retreating inside to sit before the arger with Joan for a good chin wag. Myself and Cliff steadfastly continued around the garden in the cold.
My note taking was not as trustworthy as usual (I am starting to lag slightly from my month of work, snowdrop gardens and trains!) so I hope I haven't got too much wrong on this post.
1 - That wonderful front yard that I have seen photos of before in magazines.
2 & 3 - I very much liked this 6 petaled double that Cliff has found. Not the neatest inner but looked lovely from above.
4 - 'Cliff Curtis'
5 - 'Emerald Isle
6 - Emerald Isle Seedling
7 - 'Miss Behaving' doing something even odder!
8 - the tiny little 'Little Joan' named after Cliff's wife
9 - ikariae with green tips that I think now has a name - but I have forgotten it 'Chandlers Green Tip'
10 - 'Green Tear'
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John Emerald Isle is stunning,some incredible stuff there,this blog just gets better and better.
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9 - ikariae with green tips that I think now has a name - but I have forgotten it.
John - Difficult to tell from your photo because of the distorting effect of the rain but Cliff named a g/t ikariae 'Chandler's Green Tipped' - could this be it?
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Thats the one Chris - the flowers were gone over but I remember now what Cliff told me.
'Chandlers Green Tipped'
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Thats the one Chris - the flowers were gone over but I remember now what Cliff told me.
'Chandlers Green Tipped'
That's good - I had a bulb of this twin-scaled in 2008 - no flowers this year but, hopefully, next year - looks like it is worth waiting for :)
Is it possible for you to amend your original posting/recaption your photo, so that others can find it in the future?
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Unfortunately there was no sun at all Chris so I have no idea. :-\
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John - A wonderful tour of the Curtis' and love the troughs especially the big one. You must be exhausted hopping trains hither & yon. Do you have to pre-book all your rides? You will be relieved to know with the German trains you exit by turning the handle on the inside of the door. ;)
By the way, how tall (short) was 'Little Joan'? I also spy a label Galanthus 'Alogate' in a photo and have never heard of it.
johnw
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I also spy a label Galanthus 'Alogate' in a photo and have never heard of it.
johnw
This is 'Aldgate' - Cliff Curtis found a number of seedlings at Ketton Cottage, the most well known of which is probably 'Aldgate 16', or 'Squire Burroughs' as it was later named (see entry in 'Snowdrops' for more details). I also have a note of 'Aldgate 2', 'Aldgate 8' & 'Aldgate 36'.
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I also spy a label Galanthus 'Alogate' in a photo and have never heard of it.
johnw
This is 'Aldgate' - Cliff Curtis found a number of seedlings at Ketton Cottage, the most well known of which is probably 'Aldgate 16', or 'Squire Burroughs' as it was later named (see entry in 'Snowdrops' for more details). I also have a note of 'Aldgate 2', 'Aldgate 8' & 'Aldgate 36'.
Thanks Chris. The book is in storage during renos. I shall go digging for it tonight as this is not the time of year to be without it.
johnw
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Thanks John lovely to see the house again. It's 8 years :o since I was there when they were open for the Gala. That was Margaret Glynn's and my first Gala. Time goe by so so fast
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.....did you take any in the vegetable patch?
Decided to leave their veg where they were and buy my own in the supermarket. ;D
Ah, I seem to remember a very nice green-tipped nivalis clump down by the hedge, and a super clump of 'Cliff Curtis'.
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Is John away to Germany?
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Yes he should have gone at lunchtime today.
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He does get about a bit doesn't he? ;D
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Jo your garden is so beautiful, thank you for the info. :) And Brian too. :)
I've taken some pictures of g Beth Chatto today in my garden, will post it on monday.***
(Edit by maggi:***this is now inthe March thread)
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From John F's posts I have come to the conclusion that this Three Week Galanthus Blog is just an excuse for one gigantic nosh-up. Just as well, therefore that I'm well away from it all. ;D
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Just home - completely knackered - lots of catching up to do!
That is the end of the plans for 2011 - but it will take me a few days to finish this 'three week blog'.
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Looking forward to it, John.
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Yes, can't wait to see the next bit John.
Beautiful snowdrops and garden Paddy, and I'm sure your wife is right ( they always are ), let them build up :) :)
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Slowly getting sorted after a week or four of dashing here, there and everywhere!
Sorry for the delay in completing this blog - I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.
The last few from Cliff Curtis's wonderful garden.
1 - 'Two Eyes'
2 - 'Priscilla Bacon'
3 - seedling
4 - Cyclamen
5 - 'Art Nouveau'
6 - seedling (I think...)
7 - I've forgotten! Cliff - if you are looking in which is this one please? ;D
8 - 'Mordred' - since first seeing this 3 years ago I am still on the lookout for it.
9 - Eranthus 'Grunlin'
10 - 'John Tomlinson'
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I like the shape of 'Forgot' John, looking forward to the pictures of the German Gala.
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Sorry for the delay in completing this blog - I hope to have it completed by tomorrow.
Everyone is on tenterhooks waiting for you to finish the blog.
Another great update, although I'm not keen on the Eranthis 'Grunlin' I prefer the plain yellows.
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Sorry John didn't mean to commandeer your blog.
Looking forward to the German gala report.
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OK - here we go with part one of my final bit of the blog.
Started work in London early on Friday (7.30am start) -sped out of the office at 11am and jumped on the Gatwick Express train from Victoria train station.
I was rather nervous about doing this trip on my own as I have always had a travelling companion abroad in the past. My flight arrived in Dusseldorf on time, I struggled to find to find a sign for trains anywhere - in the end I asked for advice in a cafe and was told to follow the signs 'S11' - which apparently is the name of the train - not very intuitive for a first time tourist arriving in Dusseldorf airport!
A quick 12 mins into Dusseldorf city - I arrived at a big station with 30 platforms in the middle of rush hour (people rushing home from work and lads in hoodies doing break dancing and body popping :o :) ) and any signs I saw were not the easiest to follow - which was also quite stressful. Luckily I had printed out my journey plan from bahn.de in advance so headed towards platforms 17 where my train to Kempen was waiting for me. 40 mins later I alighted at Kempen to find good signage for the taxi rank. 22 euros later I arrived at the Inn that Gunter Waldorf had recommended. I was shown to a really nice comfortable room that was a bargain 40 euros a night B&B.
As I had arrived ahead of schedule at 5.30pm I decided to walk past Gunter's place on my way into town, for a well deserved beer and some food. I wandered into the oirlich grounds where the event would be taking place to find a hive of activity. Somehow I managed to end up unloading various vans and putting up tables and stands...
At 8.30pm I was invited to join all the other workers for sausages and potato with egg - and I am glad to say... a couple of pints of beer. 8)
1, 2, & 3 - setting up
4 - a fern stall
5 - Carnivorous plants
6 - nice hat ;D
(More to follow tomorrow)
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Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's ;D ;D
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Now I know why Alan Street hasnt answered my email.
Who else was selling?
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Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's ;D ;D
Brian, you have reminded me of this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/
Scroll down to the second blog, "Out of the Box", which is a comment on the RHS Show in Vincent Square, look down through the photographs until you see that famous hat lady.
Paddy
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Oh, and John, I'm loving your reports. Great to be able to see all these events. I'm nearly taking it off the rails again.
Paddy
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I think I would need more than a couple of pints to wear that Leucojum hat. ;)
johnw
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Exciting snowdrop news coverage John. That was very brave of you to do that trip to a foreign speaking land on your own. I am thoroughly enjoying reading about your adventures. That looks fun helping set up and getting a nose at whats for sale at the same time :) Could they speak any English?
Jennie
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Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's ;D ;D
It almost does lol ;D
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Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's ;D ;D
It almost does lol ;D
It's a nice hat.... and the gentleman looks very apt for a snowdrop day.... but Emma and her Mum show a proper élan in wearing theirs that can only come from women with style. 8)
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Saturday morning everyone in the hotel settled down for a 7am breakfast so that we could get to Gunter's to make final preparations before the 9.45 opening. I managed to thumb a lift this morning which saved on the 15 minutes walk. Once there I found myself volunteering to work a few hours on Joe Sharmon's stall. I also managed to do a bit of shopping before the crowds arrived. ;) Being behind the Monksilver stand was a great place to be and I was really surprised how many people recognised me and came to say hello. At least 10 people told me they were enjoying reading the blog - which came as a rather pleasant surprise.
1 - people start arriving
2 - it gets busier
3 - and busier!
4 - The queue for reserved Monksilver orders
5 - rather a lot of cars parked outside! (A local farmer was making a small profit by charging €5.00 per time to drag cars out of the mud. From what I noticed he was busy doing this ALL day ;D)
6 - Forum members (Luit, Iris, Arne)
7 - Hepatica
8 - Hellebore
9 - Cyclamen
10 - and I am embarrassed to say this is the only picture I took of Gunter's wonderful back garden. :-[
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Look at the smiles on the happy forumists' faces!
And that's only ONE reason to make a visit to this fantastic event!
No wonder it is so popular. 8)
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Thanks for this blog, John. It's a real treat for people like me who never seem to have the time for garden and event visiting.
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After a long busy day all the stall holders and workers were invited to a buffet dinner and charity auction. All the nursery owners donated one item for the auction. I was glad that I had volunteered to work for Monksilver as I too was invited to the evening get together. The buffet was delicious (pork in gravy, various vegetables, cauliflower cheese, sweet red cabbage, yummy mash (not sure what was added but it was possibly the best mashed potato I have ever had!), and loads of others dishes I can't remember - but I did try everything on offer ;D). Desert was a nice selection of creamy fruity stuff - the queue for desert formed VERY quickly - I definitely get the feeling that desert is a popular thing in Germany. ;)
The auction managed to raise €845 for a dog and cat charity. I started the bidding on a Galanthus 'Funny Justine' that was donated by Cathy Portier & Jan Van de Sijpe, and bid again but the the bidding went beyond the money I had left in my wallet. :( I had to be very careful taking photographs as when I stood up to take picture number 7 below Gunter shouted "a bid from the Englander" :o - luckily I was quickly outbid by someone who had made lots of money selling stuff. :D
After the dinner and auction had finished a few of us went into the main house for a glass of bubbly and some 'snowdrop wine'.
1 - a quick refreshment break for the workers
2 - Galanthus Hololeucus that I spotted in Gunter's garden. Nice flower - I've been trying to get one of these for a few years.
3 - The crowds
4 - After a long tiring day. Iris and Alan.
5 - The auction begins
6 - more auction
7 - I almost brought something I didn't want while taking a photo!!! :o
8 - Happy people
9 - after dinner drinks
10 - 'snowdrop wine'
and I am happy, and sad, to say that we have come to the end of my Glanthus Blog for 2011
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yummy mash (not sure what was added but it was possibly the best mashed potato I have ever had!)
Having had incredibly delicious mashed potatoes at various peoples' houses in Germany and my wife's relative's houses in Slovakia, I can reveal that the secret of your best ever mash was most likely a combination of heart-stopping quantities of butter AND cream, and I mean LOTS. I used to think it was down to especially delicious local potato varieties until I saw just how much butter and cream central Europeans tend to put in their mash.
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It had cripsy onion bits on top too - but I think you must be right about the butter and cream.
Salivating just thinking about it! :P
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No names to go with the forum members? I can see Cathy in one of the photos. The guy with the bald head grows Crocus - I think. He used to come to the Gala. Maybe I should try and go to Germany next year
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Thanks for sharing your trips with us John, and putting in all the effort of taking photos, re-sizing etc. It really was good of you to let us all visit these places with you ;D
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Fantastic blog John, like everybody else I really appreciate the time and effort you put in to bringing us the blog.
I think (scrap that) I know I would need a bank loan to buy all those snowdrops and other goodies on offer, all very temping indeed :) :P
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Great blog John.
Seeing everyone enjoying themselves so much in Germany will probably entice a few more of us from the UK to venture over there.
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John thanks very much for sharing your trip. Oh it would be so much fun. Would love to go but how would I get back all those lovely plants.
Angie :)
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p.s. the cake picture.... Someone forget to get forks so it was eaten using 'credit cards' as spoons! ;D
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Angie: a large suitcase!!
It looks a fun event... and the happy forumists are great..... but this was a clincher for me......
[attach=1]
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Thanks John for a wonderful blog. You certainly got about this season and it has been great to share in your visits via the blog. I can't wait until next year.
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p.s. the cake picture.... Someone forget to get forks so it was eaten using 'credit cards' as spoons! ;D
I suppose the credit cards were no use anymore. They would have all been at their limit.
Boy I really would have loved to go to an event like that. And like you said Maggie with a really large suitcase to fill.
Angie :)
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It looks a fun event... and the happy forumists are great..... but this was a clincher for me......
A close up for you Maggi ;D
[attach=1]
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:o um! slurp
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Angie: a large suitcase!!
It looks a fun event... and the happy forumists are great..... but this was a clincher for me......
(Attachment Link)
Me as well Maggi. Only the Germans know how to slice a cake sensibly. ;)
johnw
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A close up for you Maggi ;D
[/quote]
They ran out of pitchforks eh?
johnw
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Great report and photographs, John. Great show. Many thanks, Paddy
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I think i managed to eat my body weight in cake during Febuary 8)
Looks like you had a great time in Germany John. Your blog has been excellent , thank you for taking the time to write it up ;D
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John looks like a great trip to round of a snowdrop tour. Have really enjoyed your adventures and the pictures to accompany them.
Many thanks
Chris
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It looks a fun event... and the happy forumists are great..... but this was a clincher for me......
A close up for you Maggi ;D
That is not just a cake... that is a work of art............. :D
Our thanks too, John, for taking us along ... it's been a treat. 8)
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You know I'm not a Galantophile John, but after reading your blog I guess I could become one... ;D ;D
Thanks a lot it was real fun traveling with you ! ;)
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Thanks for sharing your trips with us John, and putting in all the effort of taking photos, re-sizing etc. It really was good of you to let us all visit these places with you ;D
100% agree with the comments..
Thank You John
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I'll second Luc. Great work John.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed this blog John - how sad that is the end :'(
Think I will go back to the beginning and enjoy it all over again.
The German festival looks fantastic with so much temptation.
Thanks for taking the time (I know how time consuming blogging can be). Much appreciated
Jennie
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and a big THANKS from me too :-*
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John
Many thanks for this interesting blog, especially the shots of Benington Lordship. I left for Portugal just as you posted and this is first opportunity to post.
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John, just found out that your interesting blog already finished.
I liked to read this very much and it was great to meat you as famous Galanthophile in person! :D
Since Sunday I was rather ill because I was caught by a flue, accompanied by tracheal cough and several sleepless nights caused by this matter. Actually I should by now know that the cold windy weather at these Snowdrop Days is not good for my health :-\ ::) ::)
But yesterday and today a little bit of sunshine outside and seeing through the windows some Crocus opening their flowers make me feel a lot better.
I want just to add one picture which you and many other visitors didn’t have a chance to make a picture of on Saturday in the afternoon.
But you will be able to tell the story better than I do and maybe you possess the other part of the picture ;)
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Look at the smiles on the happy forumists' faces!
Yes, how could I not smile with such nice company :D :D
Maggi, between you and me, not much else to smile there, just a few white drops ;D ;D ;D
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Maggi, between you and me, not much else to smile there, just a few white drops ;D ;D ;D
Actually Luit, I was quite surprised to see so many flowers there that were not white... that's why I thought it looked fun ;) ;)
Certainly to meet so many nice people is always a pleasure...... but a shame that you got ill from all that fresh white air.
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Gosh that snowdrop hat almost beats Emma's ;D ;D
Brian, you have reminded me of this: http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/2011/02/out-of-box.html
"Out of the Box", which is a comment on the RHS Show in Vincent Square, look down through the photographs until you see that famous hat lady.
Paddy
After the previous blog link and one to the previous year:
http://sea-of-immeasurable-gravy.blogspot.com/2010/02/rhs-london-show-snowed-under-with.html
I was greatly amused to find ........
Saw a video by Carol Klein in using the internet on the BBC website... she shows the Sea of immeasurabler gravy blogspot and mentions and shows the "ladies in the wonderful snowdrop hats".....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/connect/campaigns/firstclickfriends_carol.shtml
here's a screengrab
[attach=1]
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The humorous Ms. Sock told me of this appearance but I have been unable to view it as yet. I think I may now manage.
Emma is now famous.
Paddy
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ha ha ha
That made me smile on a day when i needed cheering up ;D
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Why have I started thinking about snowdrops again?? Having met John at a Snowdrop and Hellebore day near Canterbury a year or two ago, I think the snowdrop scene in the South-East (always a backward area!!) is starting to burgeon. John and Caroline Millen have a wonderful collection, and David and Anke Way too, especially early flowering forms. We have quite a number and if I can get on top of the weeds (!) hope to open the garden next February. There are several other shy and retiring people in the Hardy Plant Society who might be persuaded to as well.
My favourite of this winter? Rev. Hailstone from David and Anke. A really striking and distinctive plant.