Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: Thomas Seiler on February 01, 2014, 05:11:36 PM

Title: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 01, 2014, 05:11:36 PM
Some impressions from my garden today:
Angelique, Bess, Godrey Owen, Lavinia, Titania
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 01, 2014, 05:16:39 PM
Lovely to see Thomas, you are ahead of us, Godfrey Owen is not far up here.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 01, 2014, 05:26:56 PM
Really Brian?

My Godfrey Owen are starting to go over.

I'm in Somerset near Glastonbury.

Not on the levels thank goodness but they aren't far away.

~I hope Ding Dong is OK..............Are you OK Maxine?.............Been thinking of you surrounded by all that water.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 01, 2014, 05:35:17 PM
I have a pot marked "Missing label"

One plant 'normal, another has this interesting middle.

Apologies for poor photos, but is this a named cultivar?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 01, 2014, 06:48:56 PM
I have a pot marked "Missing label"
Arthur,
       It looks very much like 'Natalie Garton' to me.I know of two semi double elwesii's and the other is 'Chris Sanders'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 01, 2014, 06:50:44 PM
Thomas, spring is starting in your garden. Fine pics. What is the difference between LAVINIA and TITANIA?

Brian, here in the east we have the last snow, no spring, but sun.

Art600, I have the same effect on my NATHALIE GARTON.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 01, 2014, 07:17:30 PM
Steve / Hagen

Thanks for identification - Do you know if this is stable?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 01, 2014, 08:20:12 PM
Finally we have sun, sunlight.
So the green from SCHORBUSER LAMPION turns to yellow.
This change need light. No good conditions in the greenhouse.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ding Dong on February 01, 2014, 09:10:51 PM
Really Brian?

My Godfrey Owen are starting to go over.

I'm in Somerset near Glastonbury.

Not on the levels thank goodness but they aren't far away.

~I hope Ding Dong is OK..............Are you OK Maxine?.............Been thinking of you surrounded by all that water."

I'm fine Mike, thank you x Still living island life. My snowdrops are fairing well, and like you my 'Godfrey Owen' is going over :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 01, 2014, 10:48:32 PM
Alan Street spoke at the AGS snowdrop meeting today and was bemoaning his chances of putting on a good display for the RHS London Show because his snowdrops are so early this year.  It must be that balmy Somerset climate!   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 01, 2014, 10:55:46 PM
It is the same here in wet and warm Kent.

Have never seen so many snowdrops.  Had thought the excessive rain might cause problems, but so far have not seen any.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 02, 2014, 12:52:52 PM
Thomas, spring is starting in your garden. Fine pics. What is the difference between LAVINIA and TITANIA?

Good question, Hagen. Mainly the label ... LOL
I had a closer look this morning and think it is almost impossible to tell them apart. Only the length of the scape seems really different, which is about 20 cm in 'Titania' and almost to 30 cm in 'Lavinia'. The apical marks of 'Lavinia' should have a tendency to stain towards the base from the sides - according to the "Bible" -  but I can't find that. So maybe it is not 'Lavinia', though received from one of the best and reliable sources 10 years ago. These double ones are always tricky.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 02, 2014, 01:56:24 PM
Got this from Leonid Bondarenko last year as Galanthus caucasicus. His website says "Collected in N. W. Caucasus, Karachaevo-Cherkesia. Corresponded fully to description made for G. caucasicus by A. Grossheim in 1940 year. The leaves is bluish, relatively narrow with a specific form (wider in upper part) grown vertically in the beginning and almost compressed to the soil in full development. Seems I start disputing with systematic which unit G. alpinus and G. caucasicus but they are very distinct plants in garden. Flowering in the spring exclusively early".

Now I read in this Forum that G. caucasicus is in fact G. elwessi var. monostictus, which I also have and which looks nothing like this. The latter is a tall robust snowdrop. This plant is flowering at 8cms high. So, whilst undoubtedly a Caucasican snowdrop, what is it? (I'll try for a better photograph)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 02, 2014, 02:03:07 PM
Hopefully these are better pictures...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 02, 2014, 02:34:24 PM
Also from Leonid, Galanthus alpinus var. alpinus.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 02, 2014, 02:48:53 PM
Naturalised Galanthus nivalis, many of them doubles, in Lorenden Woods, Kent yesterday.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 02, 2014, 03:04:58 PM
Very nice Ralph - haven't gone to see those yet but have hopes of getting some good pictures and including them on my AGS Diary. You need Aaron Davis or Chris Brickell to answer your question about G. caucasicus; or what opinion would botanists from the region have?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 02, 2014, 03:45:03 PM
... Now I read in this Forum that G. caucasicus is in fact G. elwessi var. monostictus, which I also have and which looks nothing like this. The latter is a tall robust snowdrop. This plant is flowering at 8cms high.

Galanthus elwesii (monostictus or otherwise) shows great variations in size.  Just because you have a tall robust specimen does not mean that your small feeble one is not another elwesii var. monostictus.  If the leaves are supervolute (I cannot really tell from the photographs) then it has to be either elwesii or alpinus.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2014, 03:51:35 PM
Galanthus caucasicus is an ambiguous name because it is used both as a synonym for Galanthus alpinus. var alpinus (which is found in the Caucasus and Transcaucasus) and also for Galanthus elwesii var. monostictus

Here are two links to photos from the forum
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5090.msg145887#msg145887 (http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=5090.msg145887#msg145887)    Dimitri Zubov
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3352.msg88343;topicseen#msg88343 (http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3352.msg88343;topicseen#msg88343)   Olga Bondareva

The PBS wiki has photos sent by
Dr. Shalva Sikharulidze, director of the Institute of Botany, Tbilisi
and Bakuriani Botanical Gardens in the Republic of Georgia of
Galanthus alpinus var. alpinus , Photos taken in the Republic of Georgia by David Kikodze. http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Galanthus (http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/Galanthus)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 02, 2014, 04:34:28 PM
Thank you Thomas, my knowledge about the filled snowdrops is only small. But I want to learn. ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 02, 2014, 04:43:42 PM
Inspired by Anne's photos, these are several of the plants we displayed in Faversham yesterday - not especially unusual, but all good garden plants and distinctive.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 02, 2014, 05:00:00 PM
Nicely done Tim, very classy and beautiful grown plants.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 02, 2014, 05:24:38 PM
Nicely done Tim, very classy and beautiful grown plants.

johnw

hear! hear! lovely presentation of the pots too, thanks for sharing them with us Tim.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: ian mcenery on February 02, 2014, 06:30:59 PM

I have seedlings from Jim Archibalds last seedlist of G Caucasicus which he describes as being considered by Davis as a form of alpinus but Artjuschenko regards it as a distinct species you will find the full description on this link to the archive http://files.srgc.net/archibald/seedlists/JJA_seeds/JJA_seeds_2011_January.pdf (http://files.srgc.net/archibald/seedlists/JJA_seeds/JJA_seeds_2011_January.pdf)

Here a couple from me as at last  things appear to becoming alive

G sandersii
G elw Rosemary Burnham
G gracilis Vic Horton
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 02, 2014, 06:49:28 PM
Fabulous Sandersii and Rosemary Burnham!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 02, 2014, 06:51:20 PM
Does anyone know of an eyed plicatus? Not feint eyes but eyes as dark as the sinus mark. I have a self sown seedling from my garden. I saw it two years ago and removed it to a pot. It failed to flower last year but is back this year as two flowering sized bulbs with three flowers. The photo was taken just now in the house so its not the best. The flower isn't mature either. Two eyes in the name is just for my records
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 02, 2014, 08:03:03 PM
Thank you Maggi!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 02, 2014, 08:11:35 PM
Thank you Maggi!
My pleasure to help, Tim.
 Nice display - not one that would be possible  up here for a while yet.
I  do hope there will be some in fine order from growers in time for the Dunblane Early Bulb Day on the 15th February - there is usually a great range of snowdrops on the benches - and often for sale too.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 02, 2014, 09:17:12 PM
Mark, I do not know about a two eyed Plicatus. Yours has clear markings, looks great !!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 02, 2014, 10:00:30 PM
Beautifully presented, Tim. And nice one, Mark! Ian, your outdoor clumps look great.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hans A. on February 02, 2014, 11:02:28 PM
Ian :o, terrific clumps of some of the most beautiful snowdrops!
Fantastic find Mark!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 03, 2014, 01:13:38 PM
Galanthus elwesii (monostictus or otherwise) shows great variations in size.  Just because you have a tall robust specimen does not mean that your small feeble one is not another elwesii var. monostictus.  If the leaves are supervolute (I cannot really tell from the photographs) then it has to be either elwesii or alpinus.

They seem to be applanate.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 03, 2014, 03:19:34 PM
Lovely photos Tim, have you grown them in the pots or dug the snowdrops from the garden & potted them?

Hi Ian, I bought a Rosemary Burnham last year as a dormant bulb & it is looking lovely in the garden. I understand she can be difficult & slow to multiply, can you offer any advice of what makes Rosemary happy & clump up like she does for you?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: ian mcenery on February 03, 2014, 03:42:14 PM

Hi Ian, I bought a Rosemary Burnham last year as a dormant bulb & it is looking lovely in the garden. I understand she can be difficult & slow to multiply, can you offer any advice of what makes Rosemary happy & clump up like she does for you?


Thanks for the nice comments Hans, Mark ,and Anne


Mike
I bought this from Colin Mason who grows them for sale. He recommended to plant in an area where the soil could be kept dry by tree roots in summer so mine are in a reasonably well drained spot quite close to an acer griseum. I bought "half a bulb" about 3 years ago (I couldn't bring myself to pay the full price) and it has done well so far. These mutant drops can be a bit squiffy so .................................
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 03, 2014, 04:54:16 PM
Have you seen this Clovis lookalike woronowii on Ebay? If I had it I'd be twinscaling it
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unusual-Rare-Galanthus-Woronowii-Mutant-Snowdrop/331120325867?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D4578597841206495977%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D20140107092241%26rk%3D0%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D171230813521 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unusual-Rare-Galanthus-Woronowii-Mutant-Snowdrop/331120325867?_trksid=p2045573.c100034.m2102&_trkparms=aid%3D555012%26algo%3DPW.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107092241%26meid%3D4578597841206495977%26pid%3D100034%26prg%3D20140107092241%26rk%3D0%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D171230813521)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 03, 2014, 05:04:51 PM
Very nice that two-eyed plicatus Mark! Here are some pics of today between the wild plicatus. A double and a semidouble one and one with tiny stripes on it.

cheers,
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 03, 2014, 05:06:18 PM
S Arnott is quit early here this year. Far ahead the normal nivalis.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 03, 2014, 05:12:08 PM
Hi Mike - the snowdrops were lifted from the garden a week or two ago especially for a display we did in the town. In pots they are a little like young things going to a 'prom' - very beautiful - but I really prefer them in the garden.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 03, 2014, 05:53:47 PM
Does anyone know of an eyed plicatus?

I've certainly seen a 'funny-face' snowdrop in the grounds of Myddleton House and many of theirs are plicatus or hybrids.  But that would not be a named cultivar.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 03, 2014, 06:43:34 PM
Yay after 2 weeks the phone lines have been fixed and I get back online . Hello everyone  :-*
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 03, 2014, 06:51:23 PM
Welcome back, Emma - was it the flooding that got into the telephone wires?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 03, 2014, 06:55:28 PM
So that's why you were quiet Emma, hope it was just the phone lines that needed fixing.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 03, 2014, 07:05:54 PM
Just all the damn wind and rain had broke something some where , but finally came out and fixed it today , yay .

Waters still very high , not really going anywhere fast .

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 03, 2014, 07:18:24 PM
Waters still very high , not really going anywhere fast .
Nowhere for the water to go, is there ?  Pity it couldn't be  gathered up and sent to Robert in California, who is desperate for rain.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 04, 2014, 07:22:51 AM
Maggi, Emma you have the sea around. But we only have small valleys.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 04, 2014, 10:53:47 AM
Does anyone know anything about Comet x Allenii?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 04, 2014, 11:19:09 AM
A Wind Turbine has been listed on eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Galanthus-Wind-Turbine-/181316675808?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item2a3750e8e0 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Galanthus-Wind-Turbine-/181316675808?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item2a3750e8e0)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 04, 2014, 12:15:44 PM
Here's a better photo of the plicatus seedling
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 04, 2014, 01:05:07 PM
Drifts of nivalis almost out but many varieties still lagging behind, just hoping things last for CGS.

camera came out, started raining again  ::)

Richard Ayres
Diggory clump, thriving in spot against a wall.
gracilis Highdown
Little John



Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 04, 2014, 01:21:10 PM
Drifts of nivalis almost out but many varieties still lagging behind, just hoping things last for CGS.

I'm sure we will all enjoy it thoroughly Richard, just keep the rain at bay!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 04, 2014, 03:31:15 PM
Thanks for the info Ian & Tim.

Good to have you back again Emma, how's the mill coping with all the water?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 04, 2014, 04:41:45 PM
Has anyone bought the yellowish elwesii or gracilis off ebay? What are the flowers actually like now or the following year?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unusual-Galanthus-Snowdrop-Flowering-Bulb-/141176507545?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item20dec68c99 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Unusual-Galanthus-Snowdrop-Flowering-Bulb-/141176507545?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item20dec68c99)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 04, 2014, 05:00:12 PM
I wonder how the seller came to the figure of £45 for this snowdrop?

It's nice but....... £45???
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 04, 2014, 05:04:10 PM
Quote
I'm sure we will all enjoy it thoroughly Richard, just keep the rain at bay!

will do my best although if the last few months are anything to go by I'm not too confident.

Gracilis doesn't look very yellow.. foreground flowers just look over exposed, and how much?  :o

Myddleton House purchase Kildare in the greenhouse, hope its a good doer have wanted it for years.
House & folly today.





Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 04, 2014, 05:46:22 PM
Kildare grows happily in the garden and in pots for me, its a really pretty green tip but not huge so tends to get a bit overlooked outside. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Webster008 on February 04, 2014, 07:21:02 PM
 Little John certainly is à Nice one Richard.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 04, 2014, 07:29:38 PM
Nice to know Jo, I have two so one might stay in a pot for the time being.

Little John is a very nice drop if a little top heavy, has a habit of falling over. I recently finished planting a group of L John, R Hood & F Tuck, just need to find something to name Maid Marian :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Matt Bishop on February 04, 2014, 08:12:15 PM
Does anyone know anything about Comet x Allenii?
Hi Mark,

Its one of mine, found in the late 1990s among 'Comet' seedlings at Colin Mason's. I've never named it as bulbs at The Garden House never really lived up to expectations.  'Green Comet' which may also be of this combination is much better; the foliage is an identical colour but the plant really is a quality thing.

I hope this helps.

By the way, looked at 'Wind Turbine' today with Janet Benjafield and we both agreed that the inside of the inner segments are distinctly PALE pink as are the outers!

Regards,

Matt


( edit by maggi to sort "quote" hitch )
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 04, 2014, 08:16:29 PM
Pink  ;D I want a pink snowdrops !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Matt Bishop on February 04, 2014, 08:30:03 PM
Fanx Maggi! ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: TC on February 04, 2014, 08:33:21 PM
That time of year again.  First sunshine for weeks so took ourselves off the Fullarton woods for our annual snowdrop fest.
Despite continuous rain, they had grown well with open flowers.
We felt rather cheery at the sight of tens of thousands of these charmers growing undisturbed under the trees.
Not a confirmed Galanthophile as yet !!!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: TC on February 04, 2014, 08:35:09 PM
A couple more ........all Nivalis as far as I could see.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 04, 2014, 09:51:49 PM


By the way, looked at 'Wind Turbine' today with Janet Benjafield and we both agreed that the inside of the inner segments are distinctly PALE pink as are the outers!


I forgot to say Matt that Turbine does the twin head thing too so a pink twin   ;)


( edit by maggi to sort "quote" hitch )
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 04, 2014, 09:56:14 PM
Oooo pink twins !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 04, 2014, 10:05:47 PM
Ha ha,   more twins   :)

And some more snowdrops round the garden
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 04, 2014, 10:59:57 PM
Especially for Hagen, my unnamed elwesii with green marks at the base of the outer petals.  It does at least do this reliably.  But this is year 3 and I barely have two bulbs yet.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 05, 2014, 06:10:22 AM
I hope, I'm not the only one, which likes this basal outer green.
And inside there is also a lot of green.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 05, 2014, 07:56:23 AM
JOY COZENS in best color (but not for the camera) meets KILDARE.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 05, 2014, 10:53:40 AM
I think I prefer the basal outer green to green tips........
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Lina Hesseling on February 05, 2014, 10:57:00 AM
What a nice composition. Lovely picture.

I prefer Kildare too.

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: pehe on February 05, 2014, 12:12:39 PM
1-3. Galanthus snogerupii has been in bud since December. After bringing the pot in the green house it opened at last.
2-5. I bought some pots of Galanthus elwesii (labeled nivalis) in the garden center. Great variation in flower form and the inner marking. Some have even green marks on the outer petals. Is such variation normal?
I am in fear of catching the white fewer ;D

Poul
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: pehe on February 05, 2014, 12:15:18 PM
Some more Galanthus elwesii from the garden center

Poul
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 05, 2014, 12:40:55 PM
I bought some pots of Galanthus elwesii (labeled nivalis) in the garden center. Great variation in flower form and the inner marking. Some have even green marks on the outer petals. Is such variation normal?

Yes the variation is normal. Single mark elwesii is e. monostictus and the flowers with a basal mark also are e. elwesii
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 05, 2014, 12:49:25 PM
I agree with Mark, sometimes you only get Gee sometimes you get mixed Gem and Gee.
But nice flowers, Poul
White fever do not hurts!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: pehe on February 05, 2014, 01:00:14 PM
Thank you Mark and Hagen.
But white fewer could be expensive ;D

Poul
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 05, 2014, 02:06:39 PM
@ TC: Beautiful photos to warm the heart! Thank you!!! Now we can be sure that spring is on the way...

Here a milky sun came out for an hour today, so I caught 'Godfrey Owen' with partly open petals.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 05, 2014, 02:22:49 PM
I think I prefer the basal outer green to green tips........

Maggi - I was thinking exactly the same thing when AlanB posted that shot.

johnw - yet another storm due in an hour - +25-30cm.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerdk on February 06, 2014, 09:17:15 AM
Galanthus koenenianus - first time a whole pot simultaneous flowering - brought inside for half an hour before taken
a pic with open blossoms.

Gerd
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 06, 2014, 09:43:12 AM
Very beautiful! I like the stripes on the leaves and the delicate markings.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 06, 2014, 09:45:46 AM
Gerd, ein Ei wie das andere, sehr schön!!!
Looks very fine.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 06, 2014, 10:00:05 AM
Super pot Gerd, and a lovely photo too.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 06, 2014, 10:06:04 AM
Galanthus koenenianus - first time a whole pot simultaneous flowering - brought inside for half an hour before taken
a pic with open blossoms.

Lovely snowdrop!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 06, 2014, 04:03:24 PM
All my Green Mans/Men have deformed flowers  :( I have no idea why  ???
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 06, 2014, 04:38:07 PM
Galanthus koenenianus - first time a whole pot simultaneous flowering - brought inside for half an hour before taken
a pic with open blossoms. Gerd

Up to your usual standards Gerd.  That is - sensational.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 06, 2014, 05:08:05 PM
Absolutely perfect, Gerd.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 06, 2014, 07:58:01 PM
All my Green Mans/Men have deformed flowers  :( I have no idea why  ???
Perhaps they were left in 'Moses Basket' overnight?... ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 06, 2014, 08:34:36 PM
We had such a lovely day with sunshine. Here are some pics, nothing special ...

Jaquenetta, Godfrey Owen, Cedric's Prolific, Lodestar, Lapwing
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 06, 2014, 08:45:35 PM
Lovely!
A spot of sunshine works miracles, doesn't it?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 06, 2014, 08:58:50 PM
A spot of sunshine works miracles, doesn't it?

Just remind me, what does that look like?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 06, 2014, 09:00:48 PM
We had such a lovely day with sunshine. Here are some pics, nothing special ...
;D ;D And I don't see 'Nothing Special'...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 06, 2014, 09:04:55 PM
Unfortunately I was not successful with it and I think it is dead ...  ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 06, 2014, 10:31:51 PM
From the 'twitter' page  of David Knott  (Curator of Living Collections at the the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)  -
ITV news filming  about  the  Scottish Snowdrop Festival at Logan BG

[attachimg=1]



Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerdk on February 07, 2014, 11:15:42 AM
Thanks for kind remarks about Galanthus koenenianus !

Gerd
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 07, 2014, 12:54:49 PM
and I thought it couldn't get any worse...  ::)



Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 07, 2014, 01:01:26 PM
RichardW, only this pulk/tuff or the whole colony? :(
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 07, 2014, 01:11:18 PM
Some quite big areas of nivalis are sitting in water after very heavy rain last night, moat had water in it which is a first!

specials are all ok although one frame was completely flooded despite the covers and had to be cleared this morning, after unblocking drains and shovelling mud, never seen anything like it.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2014, 01:31:24 PM
Just now I found a green tipped seedling in the garden. Nothing exciting  :(

Yes Steve though I've never seen Moses Basket
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 07, 2014, 01:37:27 PM
Some quite big areas of nivalis are sitting in water after very heavy rain last night, moat had water in it which is a first!

specials are all ok although one frame was completely flooded despite the covers and had to be cleared this morning, after unblocking drains and shovelling mud, never seen anything like it.
At first sight i thought you had problems with insects, now i realise they didn't want to get drowned! I do hope this did not last longer then 24 houres Richard. Otherwise they get oxygenproblems, but snowdrops are tough anyway.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 07, 2014, 02:25:44 PM
Some quite big areas of nivalis are sitting in water after very heavy rain last night, moat had water in it which is a first!

specials are all ok although one frame was completely flooded despite the covers and had to be cleared this morning, after unblocking drains and shovelling mud, never seen anything like it.

I'm amazed if it doesn't drain down to the lake Richard, hope that frame's contents are ok.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Michael J Campbell on February 07, 2014, 02:40:23 PM
Quote
Just now I found a green tipped seedling in the garden. Nothing exciting

Mark,I found this green tipped elwesii in the garden last year and it has repeated the trick this year again, but like yours nothing to get excited about.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 07, 2014, 02:58:05 PM
Since the sun was shining I thought I'd have a play with cross pollinating green tips,  the plicatus ones.  I'm not sure what the aim is, maybe a flower as reflexed as Wind Turbine and with as much green as Southayes the stature of Trumps and as vigorous as Trymposter.  Too much to ask   :o :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 07, 2014, 03:09:28 PM
Mark,I found this green tipped elwesii in the garden last year and it has repeated the trick this year again, but like yours nothing to get excited about.

I'd have thought it was a bit different- with what appears to be very long "claws"  as well as the green tips ?? 
( I can't believe how I get sucked into this snowdrop nonsense- it really must be catching!)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 07, 2014, 03:23:51 PM
I'm amazed if it doesn't drain down to the lake Richard, hope that frame's contents are ok.

Lake burst its bank as well, which ended up flooding the road  :-[ the ground is so saturated don't think the water can drain away, frame contents should be ok but will probably re pot next week.

Has been quite a nice day and the roads aren't blocked now but more is due tonight/tomorrow.

All the paths in the garden are a mess, I have tonnes of sand to put down but can't run machines around the grounds without making the paths worse, so depressing. Closed tomorrow & hope to open Sunday but I'm dreading the damage, not to mention the annual car parking problem.....
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2014, 03:30:19 PM
Michael can you show a side view? I quite like yours

I'll have to get a better photo of mine
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2014, 03:46:34 PM
better but still a rubbish photo and I forgot to look at the leaves - doh!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 07, 2014, 04:00:22 PM
All the paths in the garden are a mess, I have tonnes of sand to put down but can't run machines around the grounds without making the paths worse, so depressing. Closed tomorrow & hope to open Sunday but I'm dreading the damage, not to mention the annual car parking problem.....

I hope the weather holds, you get everything done and you have a wonderful day on Sunday! I cross my fingers...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 07, 2014, 07:39:18 PM
Goodness Richard what a calamity, hope all goes well in the clear up.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 07, 2014, 08:25:04 PM
I seem to remember a post, in which the question was raised how pollination occurred in early flowering snowdrops.

Yesterday, it was sunny at 8 degrees - too cold for bees. I watched this little fellow visiting G. 'Modern Art' as well as various snowdrops round about, eventually disappearing inside the flower. My entomological days are long past, so all I know is that it is a hoverfly.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 07, 2014, 08:40:34 PM
I seem to remember a post, in which the question was raised how pollination occurred in early flowering snowdrops.

Yesterday, it was sunny at 8 degrees - too cold for bees. I watched this little fellow visiting G. 'Modern Art' as well as various snowdrops round about, eventually disappearing inside the flower. My entomological days are long past, so all I know is that it is a hoverfly.

Beautiful pictures of the hoverfly, and Modern Art.  I keep honeybees and they were flying today despite it being below 10 degrees.  They usually say bees work when its over 14 degrees.  My hives are in full sun and as it wasn't windy they were out working hellebores, viburnam, crocus and snowdrops.  They are also collecting pollen from Clematis cirhossa  ( how do you spell that )  which means the queen has probably started egg laying.  I hope we don't suddenly plunge into deepest winter next.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 07, 2014, 09:05:55 PM
today her also warm ( 12 degrees)

photo 1: plicatus
photo 2: nivalis with green tips from a gardencenter find today
photo 3: same
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 07, 2014, 10:21:02 PM
A friend (and lurker) found this in the garden near 'Diggory' and 'Cowhouse Green' and asked for any comments!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 07, 2014, 10:25:49 PM
A friend (and lurker) found this in the garden near 'Diggory' and 'Cowhouse Green' and asked for any comments!

No need for comments just gasp! Its fantastic
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 07, 2014, 10:26:35 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 07, 2014, 10:35:43 PM
A friend (and lurker) found this in the garden near 'Diggory' and 'Cowhouse Green' and asked for any comments!

That thud was me consulting on the matter with the floor.  :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 07, 2014, 10:46:20 PM
Mark,I found this green tipped elwesii in the garden last year and it has repeated the trick this year again, but like yours nothing to get excited about.

But Michael that it is a good strong dark green mark, well-positioned and defined rather well.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 07, 2014, 11:00:20 PM
Since the sun was shining I thought I'd have a play with cross pollinating green tips,  the plicatus ones.  I'm not sure what the aim is, maybe a flower as reflexed as Wind Turbine and with as much green as Southayes the stature of Trumps and as vigorous as Trymposter.  Too much to ask   :o :o

Jo - Would you kindly brief us on the background of these plicati?  Especially of the one on the left.  Have I missed something earth-shattering in the past?

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 07, 2014, 11:06:58 PM
That thud was me consulting on the matter with the floor.  :o

I hope the floor came out worst!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 07, 2014, 11:48:04 PM
I hope the floor came out worst!

I'm afraid so and don't infer anything from that..............
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 08, 2014, 12:25:35 AM
John, I think Jo is going to cross South Hayes, Wind Turbine and ?Trumps to try and get green outer seedlings
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 08, 2014, 05:18:27 AM
A friend (and lurker) found this in the garden near 'Diggory' and 'Cowhouse Green' and asked for any comments!

It's better than mine  :'(  ;)

Quote
I seem to remember a post, in which the question was raised how pollination occurred in early flowering snowdrops.

At the moment I think it's fish & ducks here :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 08, 2014, 06:35:21 AM
Top green balloon, Brian :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 08, 2014, 08:12:22 AM
Jo - Would you kindly brief us on the background of these plicati? 

Last year, I actually looked back into the history of 'Wind Turbine' to refresh my memory.  Jo told us about this snowdrop on the forum several years ago, in 2009 maybe?  But for its first year of appearance here it did not have a name.  I tried and failed to find a past post from Jo where she named it.

Trympostor is a recent offering from Avon Bulbs.  I pointed out to Alan Street that I had already christened a bulb you described as 'Trym Imposter' as 'Trymposter' on the forum but he said his is spelled differently.         
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 10:55:32 AM
Brian, what kind of comments was he expecting.....It is a great looking snowdrop, the colour and shape are wonderful !!  :o :o :o
Congratulations with this find !!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 10:57:18 AM
Richard, very sorry to hear about the flooding.  :-\ :-\. Hope all your plants will be ok, and that the weather will clear with you...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 11:04:06 AM
Some pictures from last weekend when the weather was very nice overhere.

Ailwyn - one of the best doubles to my opinion
Cressida
David Baker - one of Brian's litter..... ;D...with green markings
Elw Joy Cozens - still a little pink to see
Elw Rosemary Burnham - I finally have it growing
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 08, 2014, 11:08:38 AM
Brian, what kind of comments was he expecting.....It is a great looking snowdrop, the colour and shape are wonderful !!  :o :o :o
Congratulations with this find !!
Well hopefully it will persist as some seedlings from last year have not done so I am told.  I think it ought to be chipped.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 11:10:08 AM
A few more............

Elw Sweet Alice - find from Valentin Wijnen
Elw Two Eyes - from Glen Chantry
Lucas William - a find from Gert Geensen overhere in The Netherlands
Greenfinch
Lucas William
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 11:11:48 AM
Brian, I agree with you and think best thing to do is chipping it. Please do not loose it
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 11:15:54 AM
And a few more pictures......

Modern Art
Niv Sandersii Elles Dream - coming up
Plicatus Castle Group - from Ian Christie with great large puckered flowers
Vertigo
Walrus
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 08, 2014, 12:30:17 PM
Jo - Would you kindly brief us on the background of these plicati?  Especially of the one on the left.  Have I missed something earth-shattering in the past?

johnw

Hi John,  Mark's right,  bees can so fickle and visit any old snowdrop.  They don't know what we really really want.  The drop on the left is Southayes, middle is Wind Turbine and right is Trumps.  I want a combination of all three,  is that a menage a trois  ;) ?  Don't think it works that way.

Trymposter bulks up like mad, dare I say like Sharlockii,  but is diminutive in stature so I just want its reproduction capacity, menage a quatre  :o

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 08, 2014, 12:43:20 PM
Hi Alan,  I don't remember when I first called the snowdrop Wind Turbine but certainly it was first published by Matt Bishop in The Daffodil, Snowdrop and Tulip yearbook, 2011.   There he is talking about the inverse poculiforms and comments that W. T. is the only other occurence of an I. P.  unconnected to Trym.  It's a subspecies byzantinus rather than subsp. plicatus.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 08, 2014, 02:12:12 PM
Brian, I agree with you and think best thing to do is chipping it. Please do not loose it
It's not mine Richard, but I will pass the message on.  Your 'Lucas William' is very pretty.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 08, 2014, 03:11:44 PM
I think I'm losing it or suffering badly from snow(drop) blindness because I've been off for the last two weeks.

I said my Ecusson had bulked to five. Doh, I was looking at Excelsis!! I didn't even notice the lack of yellow until just now

I said my Comets were all green tipped this year. Doh again! I was looking at elwesii Green Tip

I took a calculator in to the garden the other day to do come math/s. Bad move.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 08, 2014, 05:01:56 PM
Cressida

Cressida, Richard?!?  That's one of mine!  I sent some to a collector in Belgium in 2008 but they have not escaped from my garden again - until today, by a strange coincidence.  I had no idea they were in circulation.  Please tell me more.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 05:53:39 PM
Alan, your Cressida is not in circulation as far as I know. I grow it here as a back up for the Belgium collector   ;).
It grows well, and it is a great double. Would be a waste when Cressida would get lost.
Think this should be done with lot more of snowdrops, specially new cultivars. When I think I have found something interesting, I share
bulbs with some other collectors I know well. If I lose it, they still have it  ;).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 08, 2014, 06:10:51 PM
Yes Richard, I'm all in favour of making back-ups!

Anyway that's four of us who have Cressida now.  And, unlike many snowdrops I have found, those remaining in their original locale are also thriving.

I was going to try to register Cressida last year, filled out the form from the KAVB but then could not figure out how to submit it electronically, if indeed that is possible.  Perhaps it's lazy of me, but I did not want to go to the trouble of making print copies of my photographs and sending them by mail.  I don't suppose you know if this is possible, being in The Netherlands yourself?   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Oakwood on February 08, 2014, 07:00:05 PM
... at a time my garden deeply sleeps yet in the SE Ukraine covered with 50 cm snow layer, in some garden sites even up to 1 m  :'( :'( :'( being in a spring envy of snowdropophyls of the Albion, I put here a couple of my G. plicatus and G. graecus finds from our last year's trips just to remind  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 08, 2014, 07:01:41 PM
Wonderful pictures!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 08, 2014, 07:17:54 PM
Coo Dimitri,  I love propellor,  just yummmmmm.    The others are great too, but propellor is amazing
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 08, 2014, 07:23:03 PM
Dima ,My jaw is still on the floor from last year ::) ::)

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 08, 2014, 07:43:28 PM
wow those are amazing especially propeller
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 08, 2014, 07:53:58 PM
Imagine the progeny of 'Propellor' x 'Wind Turbine'!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 08, 2014, 07:57:00 PM
Imagine the progeny of 'Propellor' x 'Wind Turbine'!
That would surely blow us all away...........   ;D ;)

Sorry- sometimes I just can't resist..........  :-[
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 08, 2014, 08:00:58 PM
Finally got the camera out ;)

1.   Green Light -  (Alan b's) clumping up

2.   S.8 -  One of my mothers finds from her experditions to garden centres across the country

3.  S.8  -   Same plant close up

4.   Egret  - from Margaret Owen's a couple of years back
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 08, 2014, 08:06:20 PM
A couple more..........

1.   gracilis selection

2.   another gracilis selection
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 08:15:07 PM
Alan, sorry, I do not know anything about registration with the KAVB. Think you have to contact Gerard Oud about this.
He is also a member of the forum. He has registrated many snowdrops, so knows the way how to do it.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 08, 2014, 08:18:53 PM
Dima, sorry to hear you have so many snow...but for you the snowdrop-season will start when ours is over....maybe this cheers you up a little..... ;) Great pictures you show us, specially Chinese Latarn...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 08, 2014, 08:21:48 PM
Some pictures of today ..........taken between the many showers ......

Galanthus plicatus  'Cowhouse Green '
Galanthus nivalis 'Wilhelm Bauer '
Galanthus nivalis var. pleniflorus 'Pusey Green Tips'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 08, 2014, 08:25:58 PM
Some pictures of today ..........taken between the many showers ......

Galanthus plicatus 'Diggory '
Galanthus ' Spindlestone Surprise '
Galanthus elwesii ' Kite '
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 08, 2014, 08:29:01 PM
Dimitri, Propeller is absolutely stunning  :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 08, 2014, 09:02:00 PM
Some wonderful finds Dima, it is amazing the variation that is found in nature.  Just look at the contrast between propeller and curly for instance.  Wow!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Oakwood on February 08, 2014, 09:35:58 PM
That would surely blow us all away...........   ;D ;)

Sorry- sometimes I just can't resist..........  :-[


don't be so fast, Maggi - there are catching bunkers in French Dunkerque!!!!  ;D ;D ;D on va tous les ramasser apres le soufflage))))
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 08, 2014, 11:18:50 PM
You've certainly got us all drooling over these :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 09, 2014, 08:27:00 AM
... at a time my garden deeply sleeps yet in the SE Ukraine covered with 50 cm snow layer, in some garden sites even up to 1 m  :'( :'( :'( being in a spring envy of snowdropophyls of the Albion, I put here a couple of my G. plicatus and G. graecus finds from our last year's trips just to remind  ;D

We don't have so much snow this year in Finland, but enough so that all the noses are still under it and the ground frozen. I hope the spring comes earlier this year and snowdrops. Looking at pictures is the only thing which helps, thank you. :)
I think about snowdrops when I go to sleep in the night, and the first thing in the morning. I'm sure I have snowdrop dreams but I don't remember them. ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 09, 2014, 09:58:24 AM
A visit to Carolyn and John Millen's garden sitting high up on the North Downs in Kent, catching the tail end of the blistering Atlantic storms! Sutton Valence is a medieval town on the ridge line with plenty of water running down the road from innumerable springs. (We have recorded around 30% of our average annual rainfall so far this year!). High up on the ridge is the ruins of an old castle that strategically overlooks the Weald of Kent.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 09, 2014, 10:10:42 AM
In between the storms of hail and rain the sun shined but the weather made it almost impossible to get still pictures of the snowdrops, except in a few more sheltered spots near the house. John and Carolyn have a wonderful collection of plants and generously share their house with visitors, providing hot soup and cakes, a fantastic view, and lots of information and books on snowdrops. Just a very few examples amongst many - two that my wife particularly liked: 'Icicle' and 'Cindy' (which both resemble the classic full form and stature of 'Mighty Atom'); G. nivalis Sandersii ex.Lowick; and appropriately located in a choice spot near the house, 'Brian Mathew' (with one 't'!). A bracing day!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 09, 2014, 12:22:50 PM

Allium porrum ( Leek )  ???  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 09, 2014, 03:34:53 PM
A few from today..

1.  Anglesey Orange-tip

4. Trym x Cowhouse Green
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Oakwood on February 09, 2014, 03:51:52 PM
Thank you all for warm replies!! I see it's already a time to start here in Ukraine my own snowdrop nursery !! :P :P smthg on a manner "DIMI'S PROPELLORS®"   ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 09, 2014, 05:11:26 PM
I see it's already a time to start here in Ukraine my own snowdrop nursery !!

Yes, well I think you have a group of shoppers ready and waiting ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 09, 2014, 07:06:54 PM
Dimitri, here G krasnovii start to flower. One of the finest botanical galanthus.
And you show us more and more specials :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 09, 2014, 07:12:49 PM
Roadside snowdrops here in Kent today.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 09, 2014, 07:14:19 PM
Can I enlist some expert help? Lost label clump of snowdrops. Any offers as to identity?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 09, 2014, 07:15:47 PM
And another lost label specimen...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 09, 2014, 07:16:53 PM
Finally, one with a label! G. 'Blewbury Tart'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 09, 2014, 07:20:32 PM
Can I enlist some expert help? Lost label clump of snowdrops. Any offers as to identity?
It looks like elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific' to me Ralph.The second one is 'Mrs Thompson'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 09, 2014, 07:29:52 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 09, 2014, 07:39:51 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 09, 2014, 08:58:00 PM
Dimitri, here G krasnovii start to flower. One of the finest botanical galanthus.
And you show us more and more specials :o

Time to hybridize with it Hagen.  Your future Green Krass Series.........
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 09, 2014, 09:43:08 PM
Flowering for the first time in my garden: Galanthus elwesii 'Hercule', a snowdrop found by Mark Brown. The name is a pun, referring to Hercule Poirot, whose name is pronounced in the same way as poireau, the french word for leek. Therefore as this snowdrop should grow as tall as leek. It still has to prove that here as it is not established yet, but the flower is big and majestic.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 09, 2014, 11:47:43 PM
Sadly Hercule is not going to be a leek in my garden this year. There is no sign of it  :o :'(
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 10, 2014, 12:24:30 PM
From today a twinheaded elwesii. not that spectacluar but nonetheless very nice. I found this little gem when i got of the boat back from Scotland last year and it caught my eye with its perfect shaped petals. Now it keeps surprising me even more :o  And it got 3 leaves as well!!!!
First one is from last year, second from today.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 10, 2014, 12:42:11 PM
Its obviously the year for twin flowers Gerard,  both Wind Turbine and Green Light have produced them for me.  And Green Light has managed two scapes as well, is this usual Alan ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 10, 2014, 12:48:24 PM

And some more green tips, Amy Doncaster,  Wilhelm Bauer and Alan's Treat in flower in the greenhouse today,  the nicest place to beat the mo.

The lawn was mangled last Sunday, 110 visitors for the NGS but luckily we aren't actually under water here.  And thank goodness for gravel paths  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 10, 2014, 12:49:46 PM
Its obviously the year for twin flowers Gerard,  both Wind Turbine and Green Light have produced them for me.  And Green Light has managed two scapes as well, is this usual Alan ?

Do me the twinhead Wind Turbine ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 10, 2014, 12:51:56 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 10, 2014, 02:32:25 PM
Just to make sure people see this THE SHAFTESBURY EVENT HAS NOT BEEN CANCELLED   

Every thing is going ahead as it should .

I don't know where this rumour has come from !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 10, 2014, 05:08:07 PM
Hi All

I hope everyone is having a good season.  I am having to leave for work on the 4am train and not getting back home until gone 8 in the evening - just enough time to eat and go to bed to start it all again!   ::)    Sitting here waiting for some code to generate and everyone else is either overseas or one home for the day so I am taking a sneaky opportunity to sign in here.

Weekend before last I had a much needed day off and was going to see my garden in daylight for a change!  8)   Jennie (KentishLass) and Arthur (Art600) came to visit for some soup and a look at the drops.

A few pics I took that day.   Sorry if all these have already been posted this season - I've not had a chance to check.

If I don't get to sign on again soon - I hope to see some of you at the RHS halls next Friday.

1 - South Hayes
2 - Shrek
3 - Amy Doncaster
4 - Franz Josef (My favourite flower of the day)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 10, 2014, 05:10:59 PM
And a few more:

1 - Glenchantress (I am sure some will remember the story of how I got this from last years blog!  Thanks Arthur)
2 - Selborne Green Tips
3 - Margaret Biddulph
4 - Rodmarton Sirius
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 10, 2014, 05:57:45 PM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! That display of South Hayes is magnificent. But so are the rest.
What a shame only seeing your garden on weekends! You should think about a change in career!  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Webster008 on February 10, 2014, 06:45:53 PM
Good tot see Some of your fine snowdrops again John. Hope you van find time to post Some more. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 10, 2014, 06:54:18 PM
It looks like elwesii 'Cedric's Prolific' to me Ralph.The second one is 'Mrs Thompson'.

Steve, very grateful for the IDs - I hate not knowing what I'm enjoying looking at! I have a few more lost label clumps; maybe you or somebody else can help ID these. Here is clump one; flowering at 22cm high, grey-green leaves, 14cm long/1cm wide.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 10, 2014, 06:56:28 PM
Here is clump two: flowering at 15cms high, leaves dull blue-green, 18cm long/2cms wide.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 10, 2014, 06:58:24 PM
Clump three; flowering at 15cms high, leaves grey-green, 10cms/1cm.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 10, 2014, 07:00:40 PM
Finally clump four; flowering at 10cm high, double flowers, leaves just emerging at 4cms, a small 'drop.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Harberd on February 10, 2014, 09:06:58 PM
A snowdrop flower 14cms long?......    WOW

Tim DH
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Cyril L on February 10, 2014, 09:34:00 PM
And a few more:

1 - Glenchantress (I am sure some will remember the story of how I got this from last years blog!  Thanks Arthur)
2 - Selborne Green Tips
3 - Margaret Biddulph
4 - Rodmarton Sirius

It's great to see such beautiful snowdrops in your garden John.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 10, 2014, 10:17:28 PM
A wonderful range of snowdrops, John.
I think we were all missing your posts!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 10, 2014, 10:25:30 PM
And Green Light has managed two scapes as well, is this usual Alan ?

No, it has never done that for me in 11 seasons since it was found.  Nor two flowers on the same scape.  Nor green marks on the outers as extensive as in your pictures.  You must have it on steroids!   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 10, 2014, 10:29:53 PM
And welcome back to the forum, John.  Everyone has been asking after you (and Jennie also).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ding Dong on February 10, 2014, 10:57:11 PM
 :) Good to see you back John - have missed Kent Gardeners Diary :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Lina Hesseling on February 10, 2014, 11:14:40 PM
 Great pictures, John!
And yes, we miss your great blog.

It must be very hard when work is so demanding. I hope better times will come soon.

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 10, 2014, 11:21:28 PM
Tilly, Trym x gracilis, is taking a long time to hatch. I hope she doesn't get stuck!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 11, 2014, 11:15:51 AM
No, it has never done that for me in 11 seasons since it was found.  Nor two flowers on the same scape.  Nor green marks on the outers as extensive as in your pictures.  You must have it on steroids!   

I feed it on spicy Moroccan lamb of course Alan.

Beautiful snowdrop Mark, I used to have a spaniel called Tilly, its obviously one for me to look out for.

And John, great clump of Southayes.  It sounds like you need to twin scale yourself so you can be in lots of places at the same time  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 11, 2014, 01:27:15 PM
Good to see your new post John.

I do not remember ever seeing so many Southayes in one picture, amazing.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 11, 2014, 01:28:59 PM
Yes Kentgardener John, good to see you here again.
Without you Europe is lonely
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Irm on February 11, 2014, 03:39:03 PM
Today the postman brought some snowdrops. These are now in my Berlin garden  ;)  Diggory blooms at the moment, and it looks very pretty  :D  :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Melvyn Jope on February 11, 2014, 05:15:01 PM
No rain this afternoon for a change so two from the garden, Wendy's Gold and Modern Art and one from the greenhouse,     G. rizehensis

Looking forward to meeting all those able to join us at Shaftesbury on Saturday.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 11, 2014, 06:28:14 PM
more rain today, more gales & rain tomorrow, snow tonight  ::) lots of soggy, smashed,  muddy specials.

some photos of nivalis for a change...

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2014, 06:53:01 PM
I even see some sunshine there, Richard!  Were you able to open on Sunday?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 11, 2014, 07:10:29 PM
Yes, I had a paddle around In a howling gale with some friends  ;D

The rain cleared this afternoon for a few hours, according to BBC this weather is set for weeks so this year will be a write off, just hope I don't lose too much, my raised beds look very sick  :(



Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2014, 07:24:09 PM
There was rain sleet and snow around here for a lot of the day  and now it is getting very cold. Snow would not be a surprise  :P Flippin' February!  ::)
 Why are your raised beds suffering? Aren't they meant to drain water fast?  Just too much water?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 11, 2014, 07:35:13 PM
Just too much water. They were fine for a few years but badly need clearing and digging over & starting again. The mulch I put down has formed a thick sticky layer the bulbs couldn't get through so had to be taken off clumps, doesn't look very good  :-\

Had to be the first year a big snowdrop group were visiting, it doesn't look too bad but all I see is a big muddy mess.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 11, 2014, 07:38:30 PM
You will be much more pernicketty about what you see than any visitors will, I'm sure.  Gardeners seem  always much more critical of their  own patches than other peoples'!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 11, 2014, 08:11:24 PM
I agree Maggie,  I remember going round a beautiful garden here in Devon and saying to the owner how lovely it was .  She turned to me and said ' all I see are the weeds ',  now that seems a shame, it's meant to be a hobby, but that's perfectionists for you.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 11, 2014, 08:47:32 PM
No rain this afternoon for a change so two from the garden, Wendy's Gold and Modern Art and one from the greenhouse,     G. rizehensis
Looking forward to meeting all those able to join us at Shaftesbury on Saturday.

Nice to see your snowdrops again Melvyn !
Here 'Cowhouse Green ' opened today ....
'Wilhelm Bauer ' keep going .....
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Cyril L on February 11, 2014, 08:57:26 PM
I like these virescent snowdrops Kris.  'Wilhelm Bauer' is relatively new, at least to me.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 11, 2014, 09:12:35 PM
I agree Maggie,  I remember going round a beautiful garden here in Devon and saying to the owner how lovely it was .  She turned to me and said ' all I see are the weeds ',  now that seems a shame, it's meant to be a hobby, but that's perfectionists for you.

All I ever see are the weeds and things I haven't got done :(
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 11, 2014, 09:57:15 PM
Had to be the first year a big snowdrop group were visiting, it doesn't look too bad but all I see is a big muddy mess.

...but all we will see is snowdrops ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 12, 2014, 07:59:44 AM
some photos of nivalis for a change...

Lovely views. :).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Jo on February 12, 2014, 12:48:41 PM
...but all we will see is snowdrops ;D

Well Brian, thank goodness for the kindness of visitors  :D :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Oakwood on February 12, 2014, 04:34:57 PM
No rain this afternoon for a change so two from the garden, Wendy's Gold and Modern Art and one from the greenhouse,     G. rizehensis

Looking forward to meeting all those able to join us at Shaftesbury on Saturday.

very showy cultivars and images, Melvyn - state-of-the-art!!!!  8) many thanks! is it Russian G. rizehensis??
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 12, 2014, 04:58:01 PM
Melvyn your Modern Art are very well marked when compared to mine
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 12, 2014, 05:01:30 PM
Just from today! Grey weather and storm but in the tunnel some nice snowdrops.
Double scape elwesii normal plicatus
split sinus nivalis for the 3d year
and finally a green striped plicatus  better pics tomorrow because it has a dark green innermarking.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Melvyn Jope on February 12, 2014, 05:12:25 PM
very showy cultivars and images, Melvyn - state-of-the-art!!!!  8) many thanks! is it Russian G. rizehensis??
thanks for your nice comment Dimitri. This G.rizehensis  originated from Sumela Turkey although as you know I do have another form from Stariki Russia!! Not yet flowering size, maybe next year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Melvyn Jope on February 12, 2014, 05:14:02 PM
Melvyn your Modern Art are very well marked when compared to mine
thank you Mark, I am surprised that Modern Art is not more sought after, I think it's an excellent garden plant.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 12, 2014, 05:27:18 PM
I agree with Melvyn, MODERN ART/COURTEEN HALL is one of the few cultivars with basal green areas on the outers. It is easy to identify.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 12, 2014, 05:53:47 PM
Well Brian, thank goodness for the kindness of visitors  :D :D

A mirror of the generosity of those who open their gardens for coachloads of people from Norfolk ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Stefan Vidts on February 12, 2014, 06:57:11 PM
Very nice pictures Chris, it seems that you are on a more sandy soil than I am because 'Cowhouse Green' still didn't open over here.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 12, 2014, 07:44:10 PM
Had to be the first year a big snowdrop group were visiting, it doesn't look too bad but all I see is a big muddy mess.
The photos are lovely, Richard! I'm sure your visitors had good time.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 12, 2014, 07:51:46 PM
A question for the experts...
This little group of snowdrops appeared in my garden - it must have found its way there via a pot from the supermarket.
The leaves are very glaucous, very broad and supervolute. The flower hasn't opened yet, so I do not know how it is marked. But maybe you have an idea what it is?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 12, 2014, 08:05:59 PM
Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 12, 2014, 08:37:40 PM
'Nerissa', maybe one of the lesser common Greatorex hybrids, is bulking up nicely here. Is there a character Nerissa in one of Shakespeare's plays?

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David Nicholson on February 12, 2014, 08:48:09 PM
..................... Is there a character Nerissa in one of Shakespeare's plays?

Indeed there was she was Portia's maid in "The Merchent of Venice"
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 12, 2014, 08:52:42 PM
Galanthus elwesii var. elwesii  :)
Thank you Thomas!
Ah... I think I'll stop asking these questions, because whatever snowdrop strikes me as unusual turns out to be G. elwesii (which doesn't meant they aren't dear to my heart nevertheless).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on February 12, 2014, 08:57:35 PM
Very nice pictures Chris, it seems that you are on a more sandy soil than I am because 'Cowhouse Green' still didn't open over here.

Oh yes that's true Stefan , the soil here is more sandy . A bit of loam but most sandy ......
Deeper there is much clay in the soil (this is the region of the clay .......) but it is so deep and give no benefit for the plants ... 
Another thing , my garden is very sheltered .
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 12, 2014, 09:34:26 PM
Yet I am on sandy soil and they are still not open here ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 12, 2014, 09:51:16 PM
I've seen a lot of pictures of 'Cowhouse Green' this season and I'm really getting to like it.  But I seem to think it is quite difficult to please - is that right?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 12, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
Indeed there was she was Portia's maid in "The Merchent of Venice"
Thank you so much, David. This was puzzling me for years.  Now I have somthing new for telling visitors  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 12, 2014, 10:24:10 PM
Cowhouse Green is certainly slow with me Alan.

A couple of cheery drops on a damp day

Green of Hearts
Savill Gold
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 12, 2014, 10:31:57 PM
I've seen a lot of pictures of 'Cowhouse Green' this season and I'm really getting to like it.  But I seem to think it is quite difficult to please - is that right?
It is growing and flowering well for many years in my alcaline loam but increases only slowly.
A great snowdrop found by Mark Brown.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mariette on February 12, 2014, 11:15:59 PM
Potted in compost from my compost heap, ´Cowhouse Green`doubles each year; planted out in the garden it is somewhat slower to multiply. As I´m basically gardening on improved clay, I suppose it likes rich soil of not too heavy texture. Never understood why this variety is regarded as difficult. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 12, 2014, 11:29:55 PM
Hello Mariette!  Where in Germany are you?
 Isn't it odd how some plants do better in some gardens? Keeps us busy to try to please them, I suppose.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 13, 2014, 12:00:00 AM
Potted in compost from my compost heap, ´Cowhouse Green`doubles each year

Hello Mariette, welcome to the forum.  It occurs to me that given the name perhaps 'Cowhouse Green' prefers a manure-rich compost?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Stefan Vidts on February 13, 2014, 07:02:13 AM
Hello Alan, the name has nothing to see with the use of manure. I would never advise, especially on heavy soil.
In my garden 'Cowhouse Green'  double each year, one bulbs becomes 2, except for the 1 year, when it just flowered.
But it's seems to be true, it not so prolific as other snowdrops. I grow it on a heavy loam soil under a Japanese maple. A lot of snowdrops grow well over there. I can say that what Mariette said seems to be true. potted in a well drained compost from vegetative material it seems to multiple quicker. But in the garden I prefer to plant them all less rich, it avoids botritis.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 13, 2014, 07:57:57 AM
I'm sure you are right, Stefan.  I just speculated that the name implied that it was found next to the cowhouse and that would surely be a manure-rich environment.  When something grows from seed, as all new snowdrops originally did, then the seedlings that survive and grow into mature plants are likely to be those best adapted to the local environment.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tiggrx on February 13, 2014, 09:34:07 AM
Received some G. woronowii 'in-the-green' from eBay yesterday and one had an abnormal flower. Not sure whether it originally had outer tepals or not (can't see any remnant on flower) but the inner tepals are certainly longer than the on the flowers of the other plants and the blotch a more yellow-green. Not especially attractive but interesting :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 13, 2014, 09:43:00 AM
It looks like the outers have broken off
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tiggrx on February 13, 2014, 09:47:38 AM
It looks like the outers have broken off

I'm hoping you are right Mark, I prefer my snowdrops to look like snowdrops  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Stefan Vidts on February 13, 2014, 09:59:17 AM
True Mark,
sometimes the snails raise petals so perfect that you can't see some bits left. A snowdrop with no more than 3 petals would at least very weird, certainly outstanding ;-))
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mariette on February 13, 2014, 10:29:07 AM
Thanks for the welcome; I´m gardening near Rheindalen / Mönchengladbach.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 13, 2014, 11:34:43 AM
The inner petals look unusual enough to make it special - a lovely neon-green. Hope it stays that way in the future!

Coming up - 'Trumps' - a little mud-spattered...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 13, 2014, 01:15:01 PM
As promised better pics today from the green striped plicatus with a almost green innermarking with a white edge at the sinus.
Also a yelloweyed elwesii.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 13, 2014, 01:31:17 PM
Not raining today, for a change.

a few pics of borders, got masses of drops to plant but ground is still too wet.
Mighty Atom hedge, still needs tidying up after the trench digging  >:( hope to finish planting this year.
Mighty Atom, like most clumps looking dirty.
Primrose Warburg, after years of struggling now have 2 full lattice pots  ;D

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 13, 2014, 06:08:39 PM
A pink sport of 'Wendy's Gold' - especially for Emma! Look forward to a report on the Shaftesbury Day after the weekend.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 13, 2014, 07:06:32 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 13, 2014, 07:17:56 PM
Ah wrong shade of pink  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 14, 2014, 08:02:32 PM
warm weather here:
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 14, 2014, 08:07:31 PM
Schööööööön!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 14, 2014, 08:15:36 PM
I'm also pleased  ;)
And next weekend in Nettetal!!

photo 1 : Bill Bishop
photo 2 : plicatus
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 14, 2014, 08:52:45 PM
I'll see you there!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: kentish_lass on February 15, 2014, 01:42:18 AM
Hello everyone - I am in bed listening to the wind outside wondering what damage I will find tomorrow.  I have just logged into the forum for the first time in 2014 and have been catching up on all the lovely events I have missed - especially Myddleton House :(

I have been absent this season as I lost my dear dad on Jan 3rd from a cardiac arrest.  I actually found him as he was late coming down in the morning.  Luckily his fall was broken by a large bag of my cashmere sweaters that I had stashed in his room....so his landing was a soft one.  The funeral was not for another 25 days after his passing so I was suspended in that surreal world of early bereavement for a long time.  My world has been temporarily turned upside down and this rotten weather is not helping none.  I need to be busy but gardening is out of the question, so I am clearing cupboards and cleaning like a mad woman.  I hope the cleaning phase soon passes  ;)

In the past 2 years my dads heart was getting worse and his breathing was becoming terrible.  I have been watching over him like a mother hen - checking his breathing when he is asleep and worrying myself sick wondering when he will go, if I will find him, how he will go etc etc.  It is a very small relief that I now know the answer to those questions.....but miss him so much.

Thank you Maggi for your kind mail - and thank you John and Arthur for my lovely snowdrop day.  It was a lovely break and the sun was even shining.  I am attaching a few photos from my visit to Johns (kentgardener) lovely garden.

1)  Bloomer in a nice clump - still one of my favourites in Johns garden
2)  Bungee - a super clump.  Sadly mine seems to have drowned in the garden!
3)  Gerard Parker in a smashing clump - it looked beautiful and the flowers so big
4)  A stunning C. hederifolium - John has so many beautiful Cyclamen which look beautiful among the snowdrops
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 15, 2014, 05:32:05 AM
Jennie,

So sorry for your loss, lost my dad a few years ago and it's a tough time but time as they say is a great healer.

Hope the winds aren't doing any damage, heard several crashes last night & waiting for daylight to check work, I'm expecting to find more stripped stalks where drops used to be!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 15, 2014, 06:48:14 AM
Hello again Jennie, lots of people I meet have been asking after you (and John too).  I've been an 'orphan' for some years now but I owe a lot to my parents so in many ways they are still with me - I hope you find that too. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 15, 2014, 09:04:50 AM
Jennie, I'm so sorry. I don't know you personally by you have my warmest sympathy. I lost my dad this time last year, so I know what you are going through. Hold on to all your good memories and talk to your relatives and friends about your dad - it keeps him alive in your heart.

Here is my one and only (so far) 'Primrose Warburg' - only for you.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 15, 2014, 09:31:21 AM
Dear Jennie - my condolences too. I hope you and John will be able to come to the Rainham Show. All good wishes.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Lina Hesseling on February 15, 2014, 12:04:32 PM
Sorry to hear about the reason of your absence, Jennie.
This is a sad time for you.

I hope the snowdrops will cheer you up a little.

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 15, 2014, 01:51:29 PM
This is an example of how a plant can do so well in one garden and hardly at all in another. Galanthus 'Washfield Colesbourne' is a particularly fine plant, as one would expect from such a stable, but has never established well in our garden, and hardly increased over many years. Here though is the same plant forming a wonderful clump in Elizabeth Cairns' garden not far from Maidstone. Once our plant has begun to die down we will move it and try growing it in another location!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 03:34:08 PM
Can I have a wee moan? Its only mid February and 3 of my 4 late flowerers are up and open - Millars Late, Washfield Warham/Finale and Marjorie Brown.

elwesii Ivy Cottage Green Tip - grrrr  :'( yet again not one has green tips. well, if you look closely you can see a wee bit

Mine
How it should look
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 03:40:12 PM
double lost label - a lovely round double but no label. Anyone know it? Always neat and round with outers tucked under
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 15, 2014, 04:15:43 PM
What about 'Barbara's Double' or 'Hippolyta'?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 04:17:48 PM
What about 'Barbara's Double' or 'Hippolyta'?

Barbaras Double is not open and I don't think I have Hippolyta but will go and check my doubles now
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 04:21:40 PM
What about 'Hippolyta'?

Still in the spathe but mine are green tipped  ???
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 04:23:51 PM
What I need to do, and maybe everyone else can do the same, is photograph all my doubles and compare them
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 15, 2014, 04:24:47 PM
A brief lull in the rain, if not the wind; here is a nice form of Galanthus nivalis in the garden today.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 15, 2014, 04:27:12 PM
What I need to do, and maybe everyone else can do the same, is photograph all my doubles and compare them
Good idea, I have a lost label double as well.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 15, 2014, 05:24:52 PM
 photo 1: Blewbury Tart
 photo 2 : Ailwyn
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 06:37:33 PM
Sprite beside Ailwyn?

elwesii Lord Monostictus a gorgeous snowdrop, very white and bulks fast
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 15, 2014, 06:45:29 PM

Yes , Mark

here again Sprite and Trumps:
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 15, 2014, 08:21:35 PM
Galanthus plicatus :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 15, 2014, 08:38:33 PM
What about 'Barbara's Double' or 'Hippolyta'?
It's Hippolyta
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 15, 2014, 09:44:45 PM
Galanthus plicatus :)
:o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 16, 2014, 12:23:08 AM
Galanthus plicatus (PP-R-14-0479))
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 16, 2014, 12:46:42 AM
Galanthus plicatus (PP-R-14-0515)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 16, 2014, 12:49:21 AM
Galanthus plicatus (PP-R-14-0451)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 16, 2014, 09:19:06 AM
The number and quality of your varieties are stunning, Ru!  :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 16, 2014, 03:50:33 PM
Here are just a few from the garden today

Nivalis Elfin
Priscilla Bacon
Ray Cobb
Trymlet
William Thompson
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hoy on February 16, 2014, 04:21:39 PM
Can't cope with you folks! Although almost all my snowdrops are up they don't open in the dull and rainy weather. Even when the rain stops for a few minutes the level of light is too low for the flowers - and for my camera too!

Also the crocuses and other spring flowers suffer and stretch for the light which isn't there!
Seems nobo bother about the snowflakes but I show a picture nevertheless.
Sorry no cultivar names.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 16, 2014, 04:57:10 PM
Ruslan, amazing finds again  :o :o :o :o :o, so many differences in Plicatus. Great to see !!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 16, 2014, 05:00:24 PM
Can't cope with you folks! Although almost all my snowdrops are up they don't open in the dull and rainy weather.

But you have spring already. :)
Here we have still snow and the ground is frozen, this is still an unusually mild winter here, last year at this time it was much colder and there was much more snow.
This is my poor 'Mrs Macnamara', photo taken today. All other snowdrops I have planted beside it are still under snow ('Wendy's Gold, 'Ray Cobb', 'Straffan' and unnamed G.plicatus), but I know they are ok, because I saw their noses in the beginning of January before the snow and cold came.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 16, 2014, 05:01:03 PM
Ruslan, amazing finds again  :o :o :o :o :o, so many differences in Plicatus. Great to see !!
I totally agree, they are all fabulous...sigh.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 16, 2014, 05:21:11 PM
very busy day, lots of visitors, lots of plants sold.

and a really nice evening!

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: ChrisD on February 16, 2014, 05:26:34 PM
Love the contrast between Leena's photo and Richard's   :) :) :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 16, 2014, 05:30:12 PM
very busy day, lots of visitors, lots of plants sold.

and a really nice evening!


Now that is a pretty picture.   Must have been warmer than here- we've had a good sunny day but the 'drops were not opening at all. 
You'll be hoping for a quiet week after your hectic weekend, Richard.  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 16, 2014, 05:43:19 PM
Yes Maggi it has been very warm today, everything open.

Just got back from logging (didn't get stuck Chris  :)) not the most relaxing weekend but I've enjoyed it, and catching up with forumists & it's always nice to see people enjoying the gardens.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 16, 2014, 05:48:52 PM
Today was the best snowdrop day this year. All snowdrops wide open and enjoying wall to wall, or should it be horizon to horizon, sunshine. 10c here this afternoon. I was in and out most of the day in shorts and T shirt.

Took 100s of photos only to find out there was a dirty mark on the lens when I sat down to edit them
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 16, 2014, 06:14:39 PM
Really good day here too and brought out many local gardeners to our open day to look at snowdrops and hellebores and partake in some excellent cakes. These are a couple of very good forms of G. elwesii (so far unnamed) growing in Elizabeth Cairns' garden in Kent a little earlier in the week, showing great contrast in form and stature. Originally given to her by Martyn Rix, and have produced a range of seedling progeny in the garden.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 16, 2014, 06:31:11 PM
Love the contrast between Leena's photo and Richard's   :) :) :)

Richard's picture is a dream.  :) Snowdrops and spring at their best, lovely.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 16, 2014, 06:32:46 PM
Nicely grown there ChasW .

Tim  - very nice healthy elwesiis in her garden. What was their provenance aside from ex Rix?

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: tonyg on February 16, 2014, 07:39:12 PM
Snowdrops looking goode here today .... like they are across the UK in the sunshine  :)

Can anyone suggest a name for this tall and elegant double?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 16, 2014, 08:23:58 PM
Storm is almost over now here and a update from my latest finds from the wild plicatus.

I have already one yellow/vanilla flower out of the spathe and one starting,  looking vanilla/yellow very exciting ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 16, 2014, 09:31:38 PM
Storm is almost over now here and a update from my latest finds from the wild plicatus.

I have already one yellow/vanilla flower out of the spathe and one starting,  looking vanilla/yellow very exciting ;D

Looks very tasty to me. Gerard
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 16, 2014, 10:13:53 PM
I managed to have a look round Bill Baker's old garden last week, but couldn't post anything as we have had the power off since friday.
The garden lies in the Pang Valley and is currently mostly under water. I manged to splash my way round in Thursday's sunshine. The predominant stands are Magnet and Greatorex doubles (Joan Baker's favorites). But also large clumps of G. plicatus, elwesii & nivalis. There is a large clump of Diggory that has to be over 15 years old at least.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 16, 2014, 10:24:00 PM
John - initially I thought the elwesii's might have been wild collected, but I think they originate from cultivated plants that Martyn Rix had grown from other sources. They are mostly growing in mixed clumps with some variation but not much sign of seeding: the two pictured were particularly distinct. They make magnificent clumps of foliage when not disturbed for many years - this is one in March 2013.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 16, 2014, 10:40:42 PM
Can anyone suggest a name for this tall and elegant double?

One of the Greatorex doubles I'd say
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 16, 2014, 11:29:30 PM
Some flowering here :

Fused ovaries on 'Bill Clarke'

Label says 'Trym' - it clearly isn't and I would appreciate your thoughts - it is a poculiform

This the other pot of snowdrops that apparently smell of Germolene - I distributed the other pot at Shaftesbury.  The label says 'gracilis' - it clearly isn't and I would like your best guesses
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 16, 2014, 11:46:00 PM
Greenpeace - I bought 3 dormant bulbs from Glen Chantry last year  :) ;D :)

Abingdon Green - I bought 3 dormant bulbs from Glen Chantry last year  :) ;D :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 17, 2014, 12:14:27 PM
Arthur, your mislabelled poculiform looks like it may be an elwesii or an elwesii hybrid.  If that is true then it narrows down the field to just a few candidates. In fact the only one I can think of is one called 'The Bride'.  I'm not sure if I have ever even seen that one so that's all the help I can offer. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 17, 2014, 12:23:16 PM
Arthur, as Alan says your poc is an elwesii. Did you ever buy or were you ever given 'The Bride', 'White Perfection' or 'Don Armstrong' ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 17, 2014, 03:12:16 PM
Alan/Martin

Many thanks

I did buy 'The Bride - the pot with that label definitely does not contain 'The Bride'.

I wondered where it had gone - now I know :) ;D :)

Any thoughts on the 'Germolene' snowdrop?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 17, 2014, 06:41:19 PM
What I need to do, and maybe everyone else can do the same, is photograph all my doubles and compare them
A lot has happened on the Forum since this post, but here goes: 1,2: Galanthus nivalis 'Flore Pleno'; 3: Galanthus nivalis 'Blewbury Tart'; 4,5: Galanthus nivalis 'Lady Elphinstone' - please excuse the mud!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 17, 2014, 06:43:31 PM
More. 1,2: Galanthus nivalis 'Pusey Green Tips'; 3,4: Unknown double - any suggestions?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: andré B on February 17, 2014, 08:33:55 PM
Since the start of the Belgian/Dutch 'branch' of the forum I switched to that forum but thought it would be interesting to show you here what my Green Tear does this year: have a flower with five inner and outer petals so a semi double. Guess it will not be stable.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 17, 2014, 08:37:01 PM
I managed to have a look round Bill Baker's old garden last week, but couldn't post anything as we have had the power off since friday.
The garden lies in the Pang Valley and is currently mostly under water. I manged to splash my way round in Thursday's sunshine. The predominant stands are Magnet and Greatorex doubles (Joan Baker's favorites). But also large clumps of G. plicatus, elwesii & nivalis. There is a large clump of Diggory that has to be over 15 years old at least.

Great to see the pics, if you still want the Bill Baker drops I have let me know, can be posted once we have closed and I start lifting clumps, it would be nice to have a small collection of his plants somewhere.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 17, 2014, 08:39:27 PM
Since the start of the Belgian/Dutch 'branch' of the forum I switched to that forum but thought it would be interesting to show you here what my Green Tear does this year: have a flower with five inner and outer petals so a semi double. Guess it will not be stable.
Very nice Andre!! If its stable its a winner! But is it the light or does youre Green Tear look a bit paler then mine? It looks more like Cowhouse Green.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 17, 2014, 08:41:44 PM
Nice to see you here again André - I enjoy the Flemish Forum too  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: andré B on February 17, 2014, 09:21:40 PM
No Gerard its a case of less photoshop time (and less under-exposure) I guess and the inners are completely green with the typical narrow white margin so not a Cowhouse Green that is flowering as well for me at the moment.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 17, 2014, 09:31:11 PM
This the other pot of snowdrops that apparently smell of Germolene - I distributed the other pot at Shaftesbury.  The label says 'gracilis' - it clearly isn't and I would like your best guesses

'John Long', Arthur
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 17, 2014, 10:40:38 PM
Great to see the pics, if you still want the Bill Baker drops I have let me know, can be posted once we have closed and I start lifting clumps, it would be nice to have a small collection of his plants somewhere.

Thanks Richard. Yes would still love to compare them with what is left in the garden. I hope to get in there this week to sort out what is left. I was hoping to get to see you but people keep ordering plants!

More. 1,2: Galanthus nivalis 'Pusey Green Tips'; 3,4: Unknown double - any suggestions?

John ..Could it be Desdemona? I had a look at mine yesterday and that looks similar?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 17, 2014, 11:35:03 PM
Could be,Richard!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 17, 2014, 11:58:58 PM
Some of photos from Saturday

Beth Chatto

Green Hayes...does she get greener than this?

'Faint Heart' ??- hints of Green Necklace but much more ridged puckered concaved outers and a pronounced apical V mark
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 18, 2014, 01:36:25 PM
John ..Could it be Desdemona? I had a look at mine yesterday and that looks similar?
Have taken another look; it has three leaves per stem. Indicative of 'Desdemona'? My other thought was 'Hill Poe'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 18, 2014, 02:00:45 PM
Have taken another look; it has three leaves per stem. Indicative of 'Desdemona'? My other thought was 'Hill Poe'.

How tall are the stems?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 18, 2014, 02:18:18 PM
Around 15cms.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 18, 2014, 02:36:11 PM
A few more in between the showers
Ailwyn
Chequers,.....tunnel pic
Dod Norton
Godfrey Owen
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 02:37:38 PM
3,4: Unknown double - any suggestions?

Not Hill Poe which has five outers - definitely a snowdrop I need to get again

editing to say there are many in this clump that don't have 5 outers which happens when Hill Poe is moved
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 18, 2014, 02:45:16 PM
A few more
Madelaine
Ronald McKenzie
Trumps
And a findling with two outers
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 02:47:30 PM
I like Madelaine and Ronald McKenzie - I never got the McKenzie list this year
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 18, 2014, 03:32:30 PM
In many plants hybrids are sterile. How is this with snowdrops and are there know fertile hybrids or known sterile hybrids?
When thinking what new snowdrops I would like to have, I would rather have fertile plants so that in time there would be lots of seedlings. :)
Many of the tall and vigorous snowdrops seem to be hybrids, though, so do they produce seedlings?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 04:14:11 PM
Some of my doubles

 top row
 Titania, Cordelia, Desdemona

 middle row
 Ophelia, G75, Dionysus

 bottom row
 bought as Barbarham Scented, Baylham, Brocklamont Seedling
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johngennard on February 18, 2014, 05:44:48 PM
I have been growing snowdrops for forty years and many of the named clumps have  created thousands of seedlings but I have never noticed anything different until today when I came across this single bulb.Can anyone tell me whether it is unique or is it just another virescent variant ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 05:47:07 PM
Looks like a green tipped elwesii monostictus. You'll have to label it and see what happens next year
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 05:53:13 PM
elwesii Lord Monostictus - its stands out very well in the garden and has bulked to 40+ since 2007 or 2008

I still don't see why 'Fieldgate Tiffany' should be named. Its still a smallish flower and flowering for the second time with me
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johngennard on February 18, 2014, 05:53:28 PM
This is another but double and not yet open ,
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 18, 2014, 05:55:19 PM
What are the leaves like, John?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johngennard on February 18, 2014, 06:31:21 PM
Sorry Mark but I didn't get the leaves.Will get them hewn the flowers open.

The other one is no where near monostictus but is next to Three Leaves and Gerrard Parker.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Gerard Oud on February 18, 2014, 07:01:15 PM
From today, i found i nicely shaped plicatus with attractive outer petals and a nice innermark that with a bit imagination looks like the waist of...... a couple a years ago! ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 18, 2014, 09:38:21 PM
One of various seedlings from 'Trym' that have occurred in the garden, now opening its flowers in the sun. This seems to have produced a whole new race of snowdrops which are very appealing.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 18, 2014, 10:03:48 PM
Reminds me of 'Emma's Ex' - which I don't think is knowingly derived from Trym.  The shape and marking on the outer petals is similar although I think the leaves are a bit more glaucous.     
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 19, 2014, 06:16:33 AM
Nope no trym in it at all . Just a normal plicatus x nivalis (possible a green tipped form that grows local and seeds )
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 08:26:44 AM
I wonder how far bees fly when foraging in February?  My local churchyard is about half a mile away as the crow flies (I don't know if bees fly in straight lines).  Some snowdrops have started turning up there that I can imagine bear the influence of snowdrops growing in my garden.  For example, there is a really weird one that looks like plicatus x gracilis with twisted but clearly plicate leaves.  But the only local source of gracilis pollen I know of is in my garden.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 19, 2014, 08:40:02 AM
I just think of 'Trym' as a snowdrop trying to become a snowflake! Its no different really from the way in other plants the different whorls of the floral parts can become like the others - in this case the outer tepals becoming like the inner ones (poculiform is just the opposite).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 19, 2014, 08:52:25 AM
I think a bee carrying trym pollen when I found this is very unlikely , they only person I can think about in this area at that time allowing for how many I found would be at Snape cottage and that's an hour away by car ! And that wouldn't account for all the plicatus crosses and seed swarm either , it had been there for a while .
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 19, 2014, 09:01:43 AM
It sounds as though it is simply another mutation in another place, resulting in plant very like 'Trym'. This becomes like a detective story - I shall classify my plant along with 'Emma's Ex' and 'Trym' and perhaps try and get away from all the Trymlets and Trymposters that are around. Trouble is 'Trym' is so valuable. Pity a few radio listeners don't discover the SRGC Forum (and I suppose I should use a smiley face here).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Irm on February 19, 2014, 09:05:49 AM
One of various seedlings from 'Trym' that have occurred in the garden, now opening its flowers in the sun. This seems to have produced a whole new race of snowdrops which are very appealing.
wow ! I'm afraid I had to wait some years for such a sight  :D  :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Irm on February 19, 2014, 09:09:25 AM
G.trympostor came from Avon and is damaged from shipping a little, but I love it  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Irm on February 19, 2014, 09:11:12 AM
.. and Diggory
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 19, 2014, 09:24:12 AM
'Diggory' really does stand out doesn't it and has a poignant story very like that on Radio 4 Midweek.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Matt T on February 19, 2014, 09:45:40 AM
I wonder how far bees fly when foraging in February?

You'd be surprised how far! The bees out now will be queen bumblebees waking up from their hibernation. Initially they will be looking for nectar (fuel for their little bodies) but later will start collecting more pollen, which is fed to the brood. Many foraging flights will be made within a 2 or 3km of the nest, but routinely foraging flights up to 8km would not be unusual. Forays even as far as 11km might not be impossible.

I was interested to see Anne Wright's demonstration of snowdrop pollination at Dunblane at the weekend and how the flowers need a sharp tapping to shed their pollen. This suggests to me that snowdrops might require 'buzz pollination' i.e. the bee holds on to the flower and vibrates it's wings to release the pollen - something many species of bumblebee practice, but never honeybees. This would fit with the early flowering for snowdrops timed with the first emergence of queen bumblebees, at a time of year when it is still too cool for the honeybees to be actively flying.

If anyone is interested in the fascinating lives of bumblebees I can recommend the book 'A Sting in the Tail' by Dave Goulson. It's an engagingly written account telling you everything you need to know about bumblebees.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David King on February 19, 2014, 09:55:41 AM
A single flower of Galanthus Pricilla Bacon.  We have a nice clump now in the garden and were pleased at the weekend when two of her children came to look at it.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 10:31:36 AM
That's very interesting, Matt.

Emma, I've found enough different inverse poc. type nivalis myself (in an isolated wood full of nivalis) to know that not all inverse pocs derive from Trym.  But once you have Trym in your garden it seems very likely you will start getting similar seedlings.  A pity that there is no cheap means of genetic fingerprinting plants.  I'm sure that would clarify a lot of conjecture about interrelationships.     
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 19, 2014, 11:51:01 AM
I love this time of year. Not just for snowdrops but the fact that for the last few weeks the sun, when its out, now shines in the green house for the last hour of day light. This morning for a brief moment it was shining in the back yard - happy days

I'm also so happy with the way the new raised in the back garden looks with the snowdrops, Crocus and Iris reticulata
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 12:50:09 PM
'Diggory' really does stand out doesn't it and has a poignant story very like that on Radio 4 Midweek.

Do tell, Tim.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2014, 01:05:33 PM
The long and the short of it :

little : 7.5cm  scape,  just under 10cm to top of pedicel
large : 23.5cm  scape, 28.5cm to top of pedicel

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 01:30:20 PM
'Green Light', my claim-to-fame in the snowdrop world.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 19, 2014, 01:37:10 PM
  But once you have Trym in your garden it seems very likely you will start getting similar seedlings.     

This is good to know. :) Are  Trymlet, Trumps and such also fertile?

'Priscilla Bacon' looks very nice and plump. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2014, 01:45:54 PM
The green markings are far from stable in such 'drops as Green Light, aren't they?  What a nuisance that is - and must make the stability via micropropping even more unsure, if  they were  ever to be subjected to such treatment.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 19, 2014, 01:49:34 PM
Many years ago I bought some nameless G.elwesii from the supermarket. Each one of the bulbs was different, and after some years they have started to like it here, and now have also produced seedlings.
These pictures are from last spring, the different kinds.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 19, 2014, 01:52:19 PM
Last spring first of the seedlings flowered for the first time, it was very short, almost white. I wonder if it will be taller this spring?
The other picture is how there are seeds germinating around the bigger clump.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 19, 2014, 02:15:20 PM
Alan - I've come across this very good book, known as the 'snowdrop bible', which relates stories about so many of the snowdrops we grow and gives them a unique degree of interest and historical association - 'Diggory' is but one amongst many, but still very special. I'm looking forward to see how 'Green Light' develops and will watch out for the green markings, but it is just nice to exchange plants with others. This one, G. Percy Picton' was a kind gift from David and Anke Way, after seeing a super clump growing outside their house in Kent, and being fascinated by those very long flower pedicels.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 19, 2014, 02:34:35 PM
Many years ago I bought some nameless G.elwesii from the supermarket. Each one of the bulbs was different, and after some years they have started to like it here, and now have also produced seedlings. These pictures are from last spring, the different kinds.

Leena  - You certainly hit the jackpot at that supermarket.  They're all quite lovely.

johnw 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 19, 2014, 02:49:42 PM
Thanks John, I like them, too.  :)

Very nice to see 'Percy Picton' clump, it is always very informative to see the whole clumps. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 02:57:03 PM
The green markings are far from stable in such 'drops as Green Light, aren't they? 

I'm quite insulted, Maggi  ;) .  'Green Light' rarely fails to produce green mark on the outer petals.  Although the size of the mark can be variable it is very rarely absent.  All but one of the flowers in my photo have a green mark on the outers, although in some  cases it is tiny and right at the tip so not readily visible in the picture.  The exception is the flower that has struggled to produce the requisite number of petals; presumably an immature bulb.

What you say about the instability of green marks is true of some other inferior brands.

   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 19, 2014, 05:50:52 PM
My Green Brush is true to its name, if the name means the green bits have been brushed off, is a lovely shade of white  :-\

A taster for CGS, moat is still looking great.

Another find from the wildflower lawn, long pedicel & gracilis leaf, really like the mark on this one.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 19, 2014, 06:24:42 PM
Art's original query is here :
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=11363.msg294920#msg294920 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=11363.msg294920#msg294920)

'John Long', Arthur

Thanks Mark
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 06:59:20 PM
Galanthus 'Oil Lamp', Richard?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 19, 2014, 07:08:58 PM
Very good, I can see that.

It was growing amongst some Viridapice that have escaped into the lawn, gracilis Highdown was planted under a tree 10+ years ago and all sorts of nice things are appearing now.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2014, 07:34:54 PM
Art's original query is here :
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=11363.msg294920#msg294920 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=11363.msg294920#msg294920)
'John Long', Arthur
Thanks Mark
So, to clarify this - G. 'John Long ' smells of Germolene, is that right?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 19, 2014, 07:50:20 PM
My understanding is that Arthur raised his snowdrops from seed, so they cannot actually be any named cultivar - although they could be the progeny of one.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 19, 2014, 08:02:15 PM
it's "Germolene" on my plan  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2014, 08:38:28 PM
My understanding is that Arthur raised his snowdrops from seed, so they cannot actually be any named cultivar - although they could be the progeny of one.   

Oh, sorry, I thought  he'd lost the label! He said it was labelled, wrongly, gracilis.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2014, 08:43:20 PM
it's "Germolene" on my plan  ;D
Pity it isn't pink............ like the original Germolene!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 19, 2014, 10:09:34 PM
Pity it isn't pink............ like the original Germolene!
;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2014, 12:11:25 AM
My latest raised bed, I cant believe I made it in November 2011, is starting to look great
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2014, 12:13:10 AM
and in the green house
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 20, 2014, 08:47:27 AM
Impressively organised! What's the little daff in the last pic? Bowles' Early Sulphur?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2014, 09:35:58 AM
Impressively organised! What's the little daff in the last pic? Bowles' Early Sulphur?

Thanks Anne. Better organised next year! All snowdrops together and all daff together

Yes it is. Still struggling to get it to flower. One more than last year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David Nicholson on February 20, 2014, 09:43:11 AM
My latest raised bed, I cant believe I made it in November 2011, is starting to look great

Looks good Mark, lots of interest in it. Is everything planted in baskets?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2014, 11:35:38 AM
No David. While everyone is moving to baskets I've moved away from them. My experience is not enough roots leave the basket to go in to the surrounding soil. Examples below
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: tonyg on February 20, 2014, 12:57:32 PM
No David. While everyone is moving to baskets I've moved away from them. My experience is not enough roots leave the basket to go in to the surrounding soil. Examples below
Like Mark, I have found baskets restrict the roots too much.  Looks like I have tried same ones as Mark, perhaps there are other types with better root escape routes :-\ 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David King on February 20, 2014, 02:42:40 PM
Galanthus 'Margaret Biddulph' taken today.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Afloden on February 20, 2014, 03:07:24 PM
Some various G. elwesii  ??? without labels (given I am in the US and there is a paucity of named clones, maybe these are nothing special?). One of these has twisted leaves and another has very plicatus-like leaves, but they all seem to look most like elwesii.  The one is a clone with the outers always blown up like Marilyn Monroes skirt ;D

# 5 is a collection grown from seed from near Antalya, Turkey -- this one is vigorous and comes very true from seed. It is also a very large plant that is nearly twice the size of the others.

Much later than typical flowering for them too as they are usually in flower around Christmas, but this winter has been cold.

 Aaron
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 20, 2014, 03:10:47 PM
Aaron - A nice range of markings there.  Certainly beats standing in line at a sale tables and the cracked ribs.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 20, 2014, 03:19:18 PM
Lovely photos of your snowdrops Chas.

Priscilla Bacon is a favourite of mine............fat & wrinkly  ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 20, 2014, 03:41:59 PM
'South Hayes' beginning to clump up.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David King on February 20, 2014, 04:03:09 PM
Also in the garden.

1.   G. Anglesey Abbey
2.   G. Trimmer
3.   G  plicatus byzantinus ex Warham
4.   G. Alan’s Treat
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 20, 2014, 04:15:45 PM
Very nice drops Brian.  Excellent photos from David - as usual  :) ;D :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 20, 2014, 04:21:52 PM
Re 'John Long' / Germolene

I have discovered a pot of 'John Long' in my collection and it is significantly larger than 'Germolene' with a slightly different mark.

The mystery of the origin continues - only seed planted at the time was 'Gracilis' from an AGS Raffle table.  To get many pots of 'Gracilis' and 2 pots exclusively 'Germolene' isn't possible!

Normally there would be more info on the label, but this time only number of bulbs.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 20, 2014, 05:03:58 PM
It's good to see South Hayes clumping up like that Brian.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 20, 2014, 05:06:04 PM
Okay Arthur, I misunderstood.  So basically you have a two pots full of snowdrops that were with your gracilis seedlings but the origins of which are lost in the mists of time.  They were more uniform that I would expect of seedlings so the starting point may be a large number of small bulbs.  Nobody gave you some chipped bulbs a few years ago, did they? 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: udo on February 20, 2014, 05:27:09 PM
I grow Galanthus 'Dionysus' since around 20 years and start with only one bulb.
In the meantime become several flowers, here three forms.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 20, 2014, 05:37:06 PM
nice end to the day  :)

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 20, 2014, 05:43:24 PM
Okay Arthur, I misunderstood.  So basically you have a two pots full of snowdrops that were with your gracilis seedlings but the origins of which are lost in the mists of time.  They were more uniform that I would expect of seedlings so the starting point may be a large number of small bulbs.  Nobody gave you some chipped bulbs a few years ago, did they?

Nobody has given me chipped bulbs and I have only chipped two bulbs - Three Ships and David Baker.

Complete mystery
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ant-k on February 20, 2014, 05:43:47 PM
Great pictures of 'south hayes' and 'trimmer'...would love to get hold of them two!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: scatigaz on February 20, 2014, 06:12:50 PM
Brian, nice clump of South Hayes. How many did you start with and how long have you had them? I started with a single bulb 3 years ago and now have 3 flower. I think I will split my bulbs this year when they go dormant.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 20, 2014, 06:20:26 PM
Some from the garden today.  Last year they were very poor - the rain seems to have been just what was wanting.

First I think is 'Augustus'

I would like help in identifying the other two.  I think one is 'Armine'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 20, 2014, 07:27:14 PM
Brian, nice clump of South Hayes. How many did you start with and how long have you had them? I started with a single bulb 3 years ago and now have 3 flower. I think I will split my bulbs this year when they go dormant.

I started with one bulb in 2008 and have given two away.  I do take the pot up in the summer and spread them out and renew compost etc...seems to be working (even though they are in lattice pots Mark)!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 20, 2014, 07:52:27 PM
I would like help in identifying the other two.  I think one is 'Armine'

possibly Robin Hood and Armine
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 20, 2014, 08:54:40 PM
Thanks Mark
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 21, 2014, 04:58:01 AM
Few new snowdrops
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 21, 2014, 05:04:34 AM
Few new snowdrops
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Ru on February 21, 2014, 05:06:22 AM
:)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 21, 2014, 05:54:08 AM
Congratulations Ru, you create the next green world of Galanthus.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 21, 2014, 09:12:44 AM
Thank you for showing us Ru, I continue to be amazed, especially by those incredible variegated leaves and PP-S-14-0583.  Nice start to our day ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 21, 2014, 10:53:40 AM
Great to see your new snowdrops Ru. :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Sean Fox on February 21, 2014, 11:57:35 AM
Wow Ru  :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 21, 2014, 01:16:13 PM
I need some help with identifying this snowdrop. I got it as Kite, and I remember it had twin flowers when I bought it. Now I notice that the mark on the flower is not correct according to other peoples' photos, and I'm wondering whether I've got some labels mixed up. The flower has heavy ridging on the outers. It's quite tall with a large flower.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 21, 2014, 02:12:28 PM
Not 'Kite' Anne - this is our plant of 'Kite'; full marking, very glaucous leaves and pointed tepals. Carolyn asked about this earlier with reference to twin flowers, but I haven't noticed this with our plant. It has been quite slow to build up with us but does have a 'quality' about it in my eyes.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Sean Fox on February 21, 2014, 02:21:18 PM
Flower looks similar to Fieldgate Tiffany but maybe too pale a green.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 21, 2014, 02:38:35 PM
Here was a real treat today, two visitors homed in on it straight away!  'Chantry Green Twins', a gift from Wol and Sue, the information I have is that it was found about 2007.  It has "similarities to a well grown G. elwesii 'Comet' reliably producing a darker green tipped marking on the outer segments and a beautiful heart shaped inner sinus mark. Unlike G.elwesii 'Comet' a percentage of a mature, well grown clump will have twin green tipped flowers on each scape.   Possibly a cross between Comet and Kite."

Beginner's luck, the first flowering and you can see that it is doing it's thing!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2014, 03:05:49 PM
RHS photo of the crowds at the London Show today :
[attachimg=1]
- you will see the snowdrops in the foreground  ;)

(Some pictures in the Reticulata Iris thread of the J.Amand stand at the show which has been awarded a gold medal - no word on other medals yet...... )
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 21, 2014, 03:13:33 PM
Is that Emma's hat I see on the far side of the stand or am I imagining it because I know she is there somewhere?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2014, 03:15:20 PM
For the green lovers :
a photo  by Jim Almond of Galanthus 'Witchwood' from Ronald Mackenzie at the recent Caerleon Show, on the AGS site  (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/shows/results/shows2014/shows/wales/images/Jim_Almond/sizedGalanthus_Witchwood_Ronald_Mackenzie_South_Wales_15_2_14_AGS_web_Img_8224.jpg.htm) - this plant was awarded a Certificate of Merit.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2014, 03:17:11 PM
Is that Emma's hat I see on the far side of the stand or am I imagining it because I know she is there somewhere?

At about "11o'clock'  at the round stand, Alan?  I believe you may be right - dark coat, strap of shoulder bag - it's all saying Emma to  me
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 21, 2014, 05:52:00 PM
Ruslan, amazing fine green coloured finds again. Great to look at after a day hard working  :D.
Thank you for posting !!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 21, 2014, 05:53:35 PM
Brian, thank you for posting the pictures. Looks lovely !! Has it a real large flower ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 21, 2014, 05:58:28 PM
Yes that's me !    8)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2014, 06:16:50 PM
Yes that's me !    8)

 Yay! High Five, Alan- we spotted Emma against all odds!!
Did you  have a good day Em?  How did Avon do with their display after they were so worried about the season being so early?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 21, 2014, 07:18:09 PM
Brian, thank you for posting the pictures. Looks lovely !! Has it a real large flower ?
Yes it is quite a large one, will have to measure it on Sunday unless we are back early tomorrow.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 21, 2014, 07:34:28 PM
Anne your snowdrop looks like elwesii Comet
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 21, 2014, 07:41:39 PM
Yay! High Five, Alan- we spotted Emma against all odds!!
Did you  have a good day Em?  How did Avon do with their display after they were so worried about the season being so early?

I had a lovely day . Finally had time to chat to people ! Avon got a GOLD , so yay for them .

It seemed very busy there this year .

Hello to everyone from here I bumped into , pictures to follow once I figure out how to crop them from my iPad !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 21, 2014, 08:15:26 PM
Not the same as what I have as comet:
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 21, 2014, 09:07:17 PM
Yes that's me !    8)
I had a lovely day . Finally had time to chat to people ! Avon got a GOLD , so yay for them .

It seemed very busy there this year .

Hello to everyone from here I bumped into , pictures to follow once I figure out how to crop them from my iPad !

[attachimg=1]
 Sent from Emma's i-pad
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 21, 2014, 09:15:38 PM
Thanks Maggi  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 21, 2014, 10:26:45 PM
Nice picture.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 21, 2014, 11:13:10 PM
Not the same as what I have as comet:

Are the leaves of your plant green or glaucous?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 21, 2014, 11:30:07 PM
Not the same as what I have as comet:

No, the mark is wrong for 'Comet' and the shape too.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on February 22, 2014, 06:44:30 AM
A group of friends.
Thank you Emma
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 22, 2014, 08:12:31 AM
A group of friends.
Thank you Emma

It was a good day !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Irm on February 22, 2014, 08:48:00 AM
Nice picture.
and such a nice Galanthus hat   :D  :D
Greetings !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 22, 2014, 10:46:58 AM
Good to see John out on his travels again,and a great picture of forum users
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 22, 2014, 11:09:56 AM
Galanthus 'James Backhouse'

Or not - see subsequent posts. Most likely 'S. Arnott'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 22, 2014, 11:39:24 AM
Galanthus 'James Backhouse'

Not 'James Backhouse' I'm afraid, which has a heart-shaped mark like 'Atkinsii' and a different flower shape (again like 'Atkinsii').
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 22, 2014, 12:06:12 PM
'Drop Fiends  may wish to see the gallery of plant photos from the AGS Snowdrop  Day at the beginning of the month
http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/agsimages/library/bygenus/list/&genus=Galanthus (http://www.alpinegardensociety.net/agsimages/library/bygenus/list/&genus=Galanthus) - unless you are an AGS  member and logged in to the site, however, you will only  be able to see small thumbnail pictures.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 22, 2014, 12:12:17 PM
Not 'James Backhouse' I'm afraid, which has a heart-shaped mark like 'Atkinsii' and a different flower shape (again like 'Atkinsii').
Oh dear, naughty supplier! So what is it then?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 22, 2014, 12:27:49 PM
Oh dear, naughty supplier! So what is it then?

Difficult to be sure. Looks like one of the 'S. Arnott', 'Brenda Troyle', 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12' type nivalis x plicatus hybrids.

Perhaps there was a labelling mix-up between 'James Backhouse' and 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12'? Does the supplier also sell 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12'?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 22, 2014, 12:29:35 PM
Difficult to be sure. Looks like one of the 'S. Arnott', 'Brenda Troyle', 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12' type nivalis x plicatus hybrids.

Perhaps there was a labelling mix-up between 'James Backhouse' and 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12'? Does the supplier also sell 'Mrs Backhouse No. 12'?
Don't think so. Probably 'S. Arnott', I know I bought several of those.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Martin Baxendale on February 22, 2014, 12:50:46 PM
Don't think so. Probably 'S. Arnott', I know I bought several of those.

Best to label it 'S.Arnott' (?) or Possibly 'S. Arnott'.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 22, 2014, 04:05:39 PM
OMG I cant believe I've got a stalker.

A wee old lady just stopped by and asked if I knew where Mark Smyth lives. She's been trying to find me for weeks to see the snowdrops. First thing she says "do you realise how much money is planted in your garden!" She was like a kid in a sweet shop/candy store.

I wish the garden was tidier and the floor of the greenhouse was tidy. I suppose plant people don't see the mess

She's been buying from Matt and ebay. I told her to stick with Matt and Avon Bulbs
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 22, 2014, 05:36:58 PM
part of the front garden
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 22, 2014, 05:49:14 PM
How strange that elwesii Margaret Biddulph has a, not very, virescent flower yet the daughter is white
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 22, 2014, 06:19:54 PM
At least three green tipped varieties lost their green on the outers when growing in my garden over the years. The green on outer segments does not seem to be absolutely stable sometimes.
Here my G. elwesii 'Big Boy' without green tips:
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 22, 2014, 06:23:33 PM
and how Big Boy should be ... did yours start green tipped? What happened to the extended tip? These photos are from 2009
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 22, 2014, 06:35:20 PM
I think there was some faint green at the beginning - I am not absolutely shure - but never like that on your photographs and with that elongated tips. But they are from Avon and should be correct.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 22, 2014, 06:41:37 PM
New release from Avon Bulbs last year: Galanthus 'Excelsis'
One year later in my garden with two flowers. The green marking seems to develop in a slightly differnt way here than in Somerset if compared with the photo on the Avon site. But a wonderful and big snowdrop!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 22, 2014, 07:00:52 PM
The Avon web site photo for Excelsis is mine.

Here are my Excelsis ... but the best make mistakes. My Epiphany from them is wrong
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 22, 2014, 08:38:09 PM
The blurred green zone of 'Excelsis' seems to vary a lot, maybe depending on growing conditions.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Thomas Seiler on February 22, 2014, 08:54:18 PM
'Cowhouse Green', found by Mark Brown, is always dependable here:
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 23, 2014, 11:56:13 AM
Nice pic Em.   :)

A shame we couldn't spot Anthony to join us for the forum members group photo.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 23, 2014, 04:20:32 PM
Hoorah.  I had a couple of hours in the garden in daylight today (and in the dry).  A bit on the windy side for snowdrop pics but have managed to take a few random photos.

I need to find the time to resize the photographs on the train travelling to London this week before | can post them on here - but I did one quickly now as the flowers made me smile so much today.   8) ;D 8)

1 - Hugh Mackenzie
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 23, 2014, 04:32:10 PM
Wow John that's a fabulous snowdrop
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 23, 2014, 06:24:08 PM
(Attachment Link)
 Sent from Emma's i-pad
For the benefit of those not in the Snowdrop "inner circle", could we have a caption with names? Just in case we bump into these people anywhere!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 23, 2014, 06:31:20 PM
Just for you John
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 23, 2014, 06:32:38 PM
Hugh McKenzie very nice John....how was Germany??
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 23, 2014, 07:27:35 PM
Just for you John
Excellent!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on February 23, 2014, 07:40:08 PM
Not 'James Backhouse' I'm afraid, which has a heart-shaped mark like 'Atkinsii' and a different flower shape (again like 'Atkinsii').
This is going over now, but could this be G. 'James Backhouse'?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 23, 2014, 09:01:36 PM
Possibly John. James Backhouse usually has an untidy flower
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 01:41:47 PM
The train was delayed by 30 mins this morning so I was sat there for 120 minutes - lots of time to resize the photographs from the weekend.  Some of them I am not that happy with the exposure - but as I have had far too few opportunities to do pics this snowdrop season I am going to post them anyway.

I was quite gutted while spending time in the garden over the weekend to see how many flowers I have missed this year - and things are now going over very quickly.  Luckily there are still a few nice things yet to bloom. 

So here is the start of half a dozen pic intensive posts.

1 - 'Amy Doncaster'.  I know I did a pic two weeks ago - but I think she deserved another photo as she is so lovely.
2 - 'Fanny'.  For Arthur.   :)
3 - 'Kildare'.
4 - 'SA0901'.  A snowdrop that will always has special memories of David Quinton.  Anyone who has a copy of David's book will know how it was found.   If anyone knew David and would like one please let me know as there are a few spare and it is time to spread it about.
5 - 'The Bride'.  One of the few Elwesii pocs I know of and grow.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 24, 2014, 01:49:20 PM
John

As usual the clumps are looking magnificent.

I thought Amy Doncaster was a nice plant, but as a clump it is outstanding.

Cheers
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 01:52:40 PM
Following on from the Elwesii poc 'The Bride' - here are some pics of Nivalis Pocs.  I am starting to wonder if too many of these have been named as I am not sure I can now tell them all apart anymore!  lol

1 - 'Poculiformis'.  This one I got from Phil Cornish in the 90's and was just described as nivalis poculiformis.
2 - 'Mark Solomon'.  A gift from Barry Carson Turner. 
3 - 'Lydiard Diana'
4 - 'Henrys White Lady'.  Another very kind gift - this time form "Judys Snowdrops".
5 - 'Gloria'

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 24, 2014, 01:58:01 PM
John

The only one that looks really different is Lydiard Diana - I would rate it as inferior to the other four - not a true poculiform.

The Phil Cornish selection all those years ago is a stunner.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 02:31:07 PM
Next some of the 'MARMITE' flowers of the snowdrop world (for members abroad who don't know the Marmite food adverts - "you either love it or you hate it").

1 - 'Samantha'.  One of SRGC member DaveyP's first ever finds.
2 - 'Fuzz'.
3 - 'The Bogeyman'.  One from Mike Myers.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 02:33:57 PM
1 - 'Mrs Tiggywinkle'.  Another kind gift from a much loved lurker.
2 - 'Narwhal'.  Always a bit messy for me.
3 - 'The Alburgh Claw'.   In my mind this is the king of spikies.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 02:41:16 PM
A few with some extra green.    ;D

1 - 'Walter Fish'
2 - 'Angelina'
3 - 'Wilhem Bauer'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: KentGardener on February 24, 2014, 02:46:15 PM
And the the final few.

1 - 'Baytop Rizenhensis'
2 - 'Lady Elphinstone'
3 - 'Das Gelbe Vom El'.  (Thanks Hagen 8) )  As I have found with cream coloured drops it is incredibly difficult to capture the colour.  Hopefully with the white flowers behind the subtle difference might be noticed? 
4 - and a hellebore just for a change.   ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: chasw on February 24, 2014, 03:00:53 PM
Great pictures and great drops as usual John.. ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 24, 2014, 03:23:12 PM
Two groups today, this mornings coach had hot & sunny, afternoon lot cold & wet, managed to get a few photos at lunchtime.

elwesii Brian Mathew
Cowhouse Green
Blewbury Tart
Marjorie Brown
Twinkletoes



Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 24, 2014, 03:28:12 PM
and some more finds from the very productive wildflower lawn.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 24, 2014, 03:32:26 PM
Here's my Big Boy.

The smaller immature flowers are without the green tips & the main much larger flowers have them.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2014, 04:41:26 PM
and some more finds from the very productive wildflower lawn.

The first one looks great
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2014, 04:43:19 PM
Does anyone know anything about the snowdrop ex Whitton/Witton via Margaret Owen?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 24, 2014, 04:51:03 PM
The first one looks great

It reminded me of lapwing when I lifted it.

The second I really like, the first to come out the lawn & was given to my part time assistant when her mother died to plant on her grave a few years ago, so it's known here as Yvonne Oakley, has a nice gracilis leaf and the marks joined by faint lines are quite stable.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 24, 2014, 05:20:33 PM
I would be interested in opinions on the snowdrop on the right.  My good authority assures me it is yellow and I think it may have a fuller mark than 'Wendy's Gold'.

 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 24, 2014, 05:30:16 PM
It does have a fuller mark. My Wendys Gold have a white base to the inners
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: annew on February 24, 2014, 06:22:25 PM
Wendy's mark does vary in length, but that one could be longer.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: art600 on February 24, 2014, 06:26:37 PM
I would be interested in opinions on the snowdrop on the right.  My good authority assures me it is yellow and I think it may have a fuller mark than 'Wendy's Gold'.

 

Alan

Very nice - and it doesn't have the sickly looking leaves of 'Wendy's Gold' - a bonus
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: freddyvl on February 24, 2014, 06:37:46 PM
John, we all have missed you and your contributions. Without you no real snowdropseason! Your set of photos makes something good but not everything. Better next year because you only live once  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 24, 2014, 07:14:15 PM
Should you ever question the hardiness of any nivalis consider this poor clump near the house.  It has braved a very cold winter despite being under a persistent drip from the eavestrough above, it has removed all the soil, the tunics and the snowcover.

Do note how it is sending out secondary shoots in the oddest spots on the bulbs.

Now that the poar vortex has dissapated Mother Nature will add insult to injury, she is sending a potent Siberian air mass down over North America.  She seems to delight in a March torture session, there's a word for that I believe. 

johnw - a wonderful spring-like day
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 24, 2014, 07:19:09 PM
and some more finds from the very productive wildflower lawn.


Richard  - I particularly like the second find with the tiny white hole at the junction of the two marks.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 24, 2014, 07:25:17 PM
It's what caught my eye, and Emma who works with me & thinks being fascinated by snowdrops is a bit odd  :-[ admitted it was very neat, as you can see in the photo the bulb behind has quite faint lines compared to the front but they are always there.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 24, 2014, 07:52:14 PM
Richard, thank you for posting the lovely pictures. Great finds also !! Specially the first one, very nice markings !!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: snowdropcollector on February 24, 2014, 07:57:18 PM
John, good to see you are back. And with lovely pictures of great snowdrops  ;D.
Missed your postings this season !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uli Lessnow on February 24, 2014, 09:43:32 PM
John, it's good to see you posting pics again. I missed you this year in Nettetal but I hope for next
year. I still remember the fine days with you in Gillinghan.
All the best
Uli
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: kentish_lass on February 25, 2014, 03:40:36 AM
Just having a much needed catch up.  John F - great photos and such lovely clump displays.  Just love Wilhem Bauer - it's just beautiful.  SA0901 is very special too - good photo of it.

Richard - love your finds and I like the gracilis infused one too.  I am becoming very fond of gracilis cultivars.

I have spent a few hours over the weekend rummaging around for 'special' additions.  Was gutted to find many empty spots ie.  Big Boy, Fanny, Henry's White Lady, E'cusson d'or, Bill Clarke....the list goes on.  These were all planted directly into the ground in an area where I have had a good survival rate up until now.  I am wondering if it the heavy non stop rain has had anything to do with it? 

Noted a few clumps look a bit staggy, Sibbertoft White has diminished to one bulb, Angelique (3rd attempt) is showing leaves but no flowers for the second year......but on a brighter note.....some clumps have multiplied like crazy and look fantastic  :)

A few not very exciting photos.....

1)  What is usually a lovely border when tended is looking dreadful.  Hellebore leaves not taken off and Clerodendron trichotomum var. fargesii has suckered everywhere trying to take over the border.  I am going to tip toe around tomorrow trying to tidy things up.

2)  A little area under a Viburnum with odds and ends of no particular value popped in at random...and it just thrives.  It is also in the area where I grow all my Narcissus too - go figure?

3)  Was very happy to see this little Hellebore seedling of mine flowering for the first time this year!  It is a cross of an original Picottee from Washfield Nursery onto a torquatus double. 

4)  Viridapicis and woronowii just love the clay soil in this garden - wish I could be happy just growing them - but then what could I moan about!?

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 25, 2014, 06:14:31 AM
You have some wonderful clumps of snowdrops there, Jennie.  I would use some of that stock to try-out other areas.  If your 'easy' snowdrops continue to thrive when transplanted then it should be safe to put some of the more expensive snowdrops in there.  If they don't flourish then it's probably a bad area.  When I went round the Anglesey Abbey collection a few weeks ago the guide commented that one spot seemed to be a bad area and the snowdrops were not doing well there.  And I have one or two spots in my own garden where snowdrops have consistently failed.

Trichoderma harzianum may help if you have problems with fungal diseases and should do no harm in any case.       
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 25, 2014, 09:32:49 AM
Oh well I think my Big Boy looks nice.... ???
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 10:46:52 AM
Oh well I think my Big Boy looks nice.... ???

Your 'big boy' does look nice Mike  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 25, 2014, 10:56:23 AM
Super plants Jennie, and very interesting hellebore cross! We must come and see your day-lilies in the summer. We have quite a few untended beds, which you will see if you look at my blog, but the cared for parts of the garden are marvellous.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Sean Fox on February 25, 2014, 11:52:06 AM
Big Boy looks fantastic Mike  :)

Jennie we're all allowed to leave borders unattended every once in a while, and it's amazing what a difference half an hour can make once you catch up.

John, great drops...as always  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 25, 2014, 12:08:17 PM
Quote
What is usually a lovely border when tended is looking dreadful.  Hellebore leaves not taken off and Clerodendron trichotomum var. fargesii has suckered everywhere trying to take over the border.  I am going to tip toe around tomorrow trying to tidy things up.

It's quite a nice & very natural effect.

Have seen Big Boy at a few sales this year and does look good but not at the current price  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: François Lambert on February 25, 2014, 12:35:48 PM
I happen to have lots of snowdrops in my garden, I assume a wild form because they also grow here & there in the roadsides.  We took some pictures yesterday because with the last three warmer and sunny days we really have an explosion of flowers here.
A particularity, one of the snowdrops has tiny yellow tips to the petals, where all his neighbors in the clump do not.  I have not checked the other clumps to see if this one is the only one.
Anyway ... this is for us a big sign that spring is back  8)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 25, 2014, 12:47:03 PM
Here's my Big Boy.

The smaller immature flowers are without the green tips & the main much larger flowers have them.

Been trying to think how I could comment on this without embarrassing myself.

Very nice large flower, Mike  :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 25, 2014, 12:58:54 PM
In the snowdrop world I have always liked the idea of 'Big Boy' going out with 'Long Tall Sally'! But other combinations might be possible.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 25, 2014, 01:13:20 PM
Blewbury Tart...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 03:52:35 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/huga4aba.jpg) findling double nivalis
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 03:53:25 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/y7u9agu5.jpg) findling elwesii , nice shape to the flower I thought
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 03:54:29 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/raduqa8y.jpg) funny mutant nivalis , whole clump doing different things and it was the same last year
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 03:55:18 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/ty8uzena.jpg) elwesii findling
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David King on February 25, 2014, 05:03:09 PM
Seen yesterday.

1. & 2.  A strange double headed G 'Lacewing'
3. & 4.  G. Whisky
5.         G. Armine
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David King on February 25, 2014, 05:07:24 PM
Also saw some nice seedlings.

Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 25, 2014, 05:59:33 PM
I was talking to a colleague at work today about snowdrops when a customer asked if I knew of an old house with masses of snowdrops in the garden. Its only a few minutes drive from my house so I went for a look. I'm just back and plan to go back this weekend if not before
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 25, 2014, 06:28:35 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/25/raduqa8y.jpg) funny mutant nivalis , whole clump doing different things and it was the same last year
Looks like good fun Emma :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 25, 2014, 06:59:58 PM
I was talking to a colleague at work today about snowdrops when a customer asked if I knew of an old house with masses of snowdrops in the garden. Its only a few minutes drive from my house so I went for a look. I'm just back and plan to go back this weekend if not before
I can see why! There are bound to be some interesting finds in this obviously ancient snowdrop haven.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 25, 2014, 07:08:24 PM
...There are bound to be some interesting finds in this obviously ancient snowdrop haven.

Actually, no.  Large nivalis populations can be disappointingly uniform.  Look for evidence that the snowdrops are setting seed.  A seeding population will look less uniform and is much more likely to give rise to interesting finds.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 07:23:05 PM
Looks like good fun Emma :D

 I thought so to !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 25, 2014, 07:39:22 PM
Actually, no.  Large nivalis populations can be disappointingly uniform.  Look for evidence that the snowdrops are setting seed.  A seeding population will look less uniform and is much more likely to give rise to interesting finds.
Ok - good to know. I'll check the G. nivalis which the ants spread over the front lawn...
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Anne Repnow on February 25, 2014, 07:44:07 PM
Nettetal usually falls on my birthday. So here are:
(1) 'E.A. Bowles' (last years birthday present to myself)
(2) 'South Hayes' (this years birthday present to myself)  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 07:52:34 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/26/beme4e5a.jpg) looks like an angel !
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: emma T on February 25, 2014, 07:54:11 PM
Does anyone know of a way to tell Galanthus nivalis from Galanthus r-o vernalis ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 25, 2014, 09:52:53 PM
I can't do it, Emma.  They speak about the median stripe to the leaves in R-O but the talk Melvyn Jope gave at Shaftesbury said that is not reliable and some nivalis have a similar feature (or there are lots more R-Os around peoples gardens than we have been lead to believe).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 25, 2014, 10:12:59 PM
Alan - Do you suppose these non-seedling nivalis populations are sterile?

Big plantings here in the city rarely set seed.  Would it be wise to introduce some seed-grown nivalis to help with seed production?

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: loes on February 25, 2014, 11:25:01 PM
Does anyone know of a way to tell Galanthus nivalis from Galanthus r-o vernalis ?
[/queote]

And I'll add another question

Are there r.o.vernalis which just look like nivalis with leaves without the median stripe and flowering in the same time as nivalis?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 26, 2014, 12:20:15 AM
Nettetal usually falls on my birthday. So here are:
(1) 'E.A. Bowles' (last years birthday present to myself)
(2) 'South Hayes' (this years birthday present to myself)  ;D

 Don't you just love it when you get a present that you really wanted? !!!!!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Leena on February 26, 2014, 07:16:19 AM
Alan - Do you suppose these non-seedling nivalis populations are sterile?
Would it be wise to introduce some seed-grown nivalis to help with seed production?

I'm also interested in this.
And another question: are crosses with nivalis x plicatus fertile and can they hybridize again with nivalis naturally?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 26, 2014, 07:18:49 AM
Alan - Do you suppose these non-seedling nivalis populations are sterile?
Yes, I think they are sterile or nearly so.  I'm told (mostly in talks by Joe Sharman, I think) that many of the large UK populations are sterile.  For example I would say the one here http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm (http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm) is.  I'm not sure failure to set seed reduces the rate of increase but having a mixture of bulb sizes including some that are very small  probably offers protection against insects like the narcissus fly that are more likely to find and eat the larger bulbs whilst leaving the small seedlings behind.

I don't know the answer to Leena's second question but Anne has a selection of yellow nivalis x plicatus snowdrops and I'm sure Martin has tried this cross.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 26, 2014, 08:34:18 AM
Many plants spread without sex - for example the woodland anemone very rarely sets seed and large stands are signs of old established and undisturbed woodland. Other plants like violas go in for cleistogamous seed. So the way plants perpetuate themselves is often more complex than we imagine. Plants in natural situations are probably protected against narcissus fly partly by their very numbers and partly by the surrounding vegetation that grows up after they flower. The tidyness of gardeners may be just what causes the problems a lot of the time! (Have a look at a book by Mirabel Osler entitled 'A Gentle Plea for Chaos' - her garden may be chaotic to some but it is also very beautiful and goes with nature rather than fighting it too much). A nurseryman like myself of course has rather competing demands!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Paddy Tobin on February 26, 2014, 09:39:21 AM
We went to a long deserted garden on Monday last, untended since about 1950. There were G. nivalis and G. nivalis flore pleno and some narcissus. I could see no variation in the nivalis. Some were smaller, some more glaucous in the foliage but nothing significant.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 26, 2014, 09:57:05 AM
Here are some pictures of Snowdrop Valley at Wheddon Cross this February.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 26, 2014, 10:06:04 AM

It was an extremely windy day. My friend Peter & I were the only the ones fool enough to brave the weather so we had the valley all to ourselves. Down where the snowdrops are it was quite sheltered from the wind.
We heard a loud cracking sound & saw a huge beech tree go over on the ridge above us, thankfully it didn't fall into the valley.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 26, 2014, 10:08:40 AM
What lovely presents to buy yourself Boli. ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 26, 2014, 10:12:35 AM
Very nice Mike, thank you for posting these (they seem much better than the ones on their website).  We have never ventured down to Wheddon in the winter and are not likely to (even though we have friends at Shillingford) so it was great to see what it is really like.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 26, 2014, 10:42:30 AM
Glad you enjoyed looking at them Brian.

I always like to see other forum members photos of snowdrops growing naturally or of snowdrop sale days you can't visit because of distance or other reasons.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 26, 2014, 02:42:10 PM

We heard a loud cracking sound & saw a huge beech tree go over on the ridge above us, thankfully it didn't fall into the valley.
A lovely place - and weren't you  very lucky, most people that hear the cracking of a tree about to fall end up under it!  :o
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Mavers on February 26, 2014, 03:47:24 PM
We couldn't believe our eyes Maggi.............. to be there at that precise time the ancient beech came down.
The tree was at the top of the steep slope directly above us, luckily the gales blew it over onto the farmland rather than down the slope.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tony Willis on February 26, 2014, 04:39:47 PM
Two collections from Mt Vermion in Greece,very different.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 26, 2014, 05:56:12 PM
I really like the habit of galanthus sp 2 vermion
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 26, 2014, 06:36:25 PM
I agree with Mark, the dumpy flowers and receptacle look good with the wide leaves.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: RichardW on February 26, 2014, 06:49:32 PM
It is very nice.

a few from today.

My first find, I like it mainly for the sickle like spathe & looks very neat in a clump.
A nice group of Diggory that caught my eye.
Peardrop, still my favourite.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: David Nicholson on February 26, 2014, 07:11:02 PM
As the Snowdrop season wanders towards it's end I wonder if anyone has a digging/splitting programme planned? If so I would like to BUY about 6 yellow Snowdrops (all the same kind and don't want anything rare or ultra-costly) and would like to pay for post and package too. If anyone can supply please PM me. Oh, and for anyone who thinks why doesn't he go on EBay-I don't!
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 26, 2014, 07:12:00 PM
How many people have 'Hercule'? Is it late in your gardens? Here the noses are only just above ground by maybe 1cm
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Maggi Young on February 26, 2014, 07:22:04 PM
'Hercule' has been in flower here for a couple of weeks. I don't think it is full size yet - only about 30 or so cms high so far but chunky.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 26, 2014, 09:05:18 PM
Two collections from Mt Vermion in Greece,very different.


They're quite lovely Tony.

I have 7 gracilis and 10 elwesii seedlings from Mt. Vermion via Melvyn and am hoping they will flower this year or next.  2009 or 2010 seed as I recall.  The gracilis are desperately  slow and very small.  I may have reversed the labels and the counts. 

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: uvularia on February 27, 2014, 12:21:46 AM
A couple from today. Taken during a break from preparing for Welford Park Snowdrop Plant Fair http://www.welfordpark.co.uk/index.html (http://www.welfordpark.co.uk/index.html)

Hopefully the rain will clear in time

Yashmak
Mary Ann Gibbs
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 12:33:13 AM
Never seen Yashmak before. Its lovely
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 27, 2014, 07:05:27 AM
A few pictures from the 'Hellebore & Snowdrop Extravaganza' at Goodnestone Park near Canterbury last Sunday.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 27, 2014, 07:07:22 AM
For more details please refer to my Diary entry on the AGS website.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 27, 2014, 09:02:46 AM
The Goodnestone Park event looks rather sparsely attended, Tim.  Or did you just take advantage of a quiet time to take the photographs? 
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 09:49:22 AM
I'm trying to find the top 20 snowdrop list that the AGS or daffodil year book compiled but cant find it. Does anyone have it?
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 27, 2014, 10:13:10 AM
 1.   'S. Arnott'
=2.   elwesii 'Comet'
=2.   'Magnet'
  4.   plicatus 'Three Ships'
=5.   'Atkinsii'
=5.   'Bertram Anderson'
=5.   plicatus 'Wendy's Gold'
=8.   'John Gray' 
=8.   'Mrs McNamara
=10. plicatus 'Augustus'
=10. 'Bill Bishop'
=12. gracilis
=12. plicatus 'Trym' 
=14. ikariae
=14. 'Cicely Hall'
=14. nivalis 'Lady Elphinstone'
=17. elwesii 
=17. 'Galatea'    Mackenzie £5
=17. plicatus 'Gerard Parker'
=17. 'Hippolyta'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tony Willis on February 27, 2014, 10:38:22 AM


They're quite lovely Tony.

I have 7 gracilis and 10 elwesii seedlings from Mt. Vermion via Melvyn and am hoping they will flower this year or next.  2009 or 2010 seed as I recall.  The gracilis are desperately  slow and very small.  I may have reversed the labels and the counts. 

johnw

John

I see from my label the gracilis were sown in June 2008. They flowered for the first time last year. I have an August 2010 sowing which will flower next year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 10:44:58 AM
Thanks Brian
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Tim Ingram on February 27, 2014, 11:02:21 AM
Alan - sparse in some ways and not in others; there were some 600 people over the day but perhaps most of them wandered around the garden and had tea and cake rather than buying snowdrops and other plants! (I did take the photos in a lull though).
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 05:17:42 PM
here's a nice stable 'eyed' woronowii. I got them a few years ago at a local snowdrop day and grabbed them quickly
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: MR GRUMPY on February 27, 2014, 07:26:37 PM
here's a nice stable 'eyed' woronowii. I got them a few years ago at a local snowdrop day and grabbed them quickly
I like it Mark. :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 27, 2014, 08:17:44 PM
today in garden:
1. Rodmarton Arcturus
2. Emperor Augustus
3. Diggory
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 08:37:15 PM
today in garden:
1. Rodmarton Arcturus
2. Emperor Augustus
3. Diggory

Not much difference in those three
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Uwe on February 27, 2014, 08:43:46 PM

especially the Rodmarton Arcturus and the Emperor Augustus are very similar , but they differ in the leaves.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: johnw on February 27, 2014, 10:17:39 PM
Diggory seems to have more shapely hips.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 27, 2014, 10:20:30 PM
Diggory seems to have more shapely hips.

...and of course is flattened underneath.
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 27, 2014, 11:45:02 PM
G. ikariae from the same person who sold the lovely G. woronowii above. The leaves, quite narrow, and inner mark aren't as dark as I would expect for G. ikariae

He has G. ikariae and G. woronowii mixed up in the same group so many they might have crossed
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Peppa on February 28, 2014, 03:37:25 AM
especially the Rodmarton Arcturus and the Emperor Augustus are very similar , but they differ in the leaves.

So, which one of the three do you like the best? And why?  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Brian Ellis on February 28, 2014, 10:13:27 AM
My personal opinion is that most people would probably love 'Diggory' on sight if it is grown well, they always remark on it here.  'Rodmarton Arcturus' is an impressive snowdrop (as most snowdrops from Rodmarton Manor), good substance all round but I don't know 'Emperor Augustus'
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: pehe on February 28, 2014, 11:56:34 AM
In the autumn 2011 a very generous member of this forum gave me a single bulb of:

Galanthus 'Wendy's Gold'
Galanthus nivalis sandersii group
Galanthus 'Spindlestone Surprise'

Here they are today.

If anyone is interested in a swap with some of these (or other of my bulbs) with Galanthus peshmenii (bulbs or seeds) I will be very pleased.
For several years I have growing peshmenii with very little luck, and this spring my last pot has died. I treat them like Reginae Olgae, which grows and flowers well. What do I do wrong?

Poul
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 28, 2014, 12:07:50 PM
I think it was Arthur who said his Wendy's Gold look sick. Poul's look great as do mine
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Alan_b on February 28, 2014, 12:52:31 PM
I think all 'Wendy's Gold' snowdrops 'look sick' in the sense that their yellow colouration often extends to the edges of the leaves and these edges are often quite twisted.  In other snowdrops that might be indicative of ill health but with Wendy's that is perfectly normal.  On the other hand, my progress with growing Wendy's Gold has been very much one step backwards for every two steps forward.  I don't know if I have just been unlucky but for me Wendy's Gold has combined a vigorous rate of increase with a proneness to disease or insect attack.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: mark smyth on February 28, 2014, 01:04:11 PM
Galanthus plicatus 'Timpany Late' - not late at all
Title: Re: Galanthus in February 2014
Post by: Peppa on March 01, 2014, 05:51:26 AM
My personal opinion is that most people would probably love 'Diggory' on sight if it is grown well, they always remark on it here.  'Rodmarton Arcturus' is an impressive snowdrop (as most snowdrops from Rodmarton Manor), good substance all round but I don't know 'Emperor Augustus'
Thanks Brian for your input! Just wish they were more easily available here in the USA.  :(
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