Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Bulbs => Galanthus => Topic started by: chasw on January 01, 2013, 04:16:15 PM

Title: Galanthus in January
Post by: chasw on January 01, 2013, 04:16:15 PM
Here is a picture of Rev Hailstone,as the mention in December,this is slightly earlier for me this year
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Webster008 on January 01, 2013, 06:49:22 PM
Loved the picture of Reverend Hailstone in the December string.  Please post some pictures when in flower.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Melvyn Jope on January 01, 2013, 08:21:06 PM
A few images of some Galanthus in flower today (all under glass).
The first two are G.graecus from Mt Vermion Northern Greece then
G.rizehensis from Stariki W.Transcaucus (thank you Dimitri)
G.snogerupii from Andros grown from seed collected by Peter Moore.
G.reginae-olgae Fotini.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: johnw on January 01, 2013, 09:33:37 PM
Melvyn  - What a show!  That first graecus has an extraordinary shape.

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 01, 2013, 09:41:21 PM
All beautiful but G. graecus is outstanding. G. 'Fotini' is very striking also.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 02, 2013, 04:42:45 AM
What a great start to my day Melvyn.  The first and last are particularly eye catching.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 02, 2013, 09:19:59 AM
The globular graecus looks fantastic. And a green in this time of the year......wow.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 02, 2013, 09:35:36 AM
That gracilis seems to have taken all our eyes, one to keep an eye on :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 02, 2013, 01:15:57 PM
I can't  agree more than all the above comments
better to say nothing

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Tony Willis on January 03, 2013, 11:36:33 AM
Galanthus rizehensis from Kudepsta 400m near Sochi a present from Olga
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 03, 2013, 01:44:44 PM
pride plant, looks fine
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 03, 2013, 04:03:01 PM
What a very elegant snowdrop, lovely to see it Tony, cheers. (and of course Olga)!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 03, 2013, 08:06:01 PM
No sign of my rizehensis,

Martin, I have reginae-olgae just opening. Could I do some cross pollinating? Will early elwesii do?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 03, 2013, 09:12:57 PM
No sign of my rizehensis,

Martin, I have reginae-olgae just opening. Could I do some cross pollinating? Will early elwesii do?

I've never tried crossing reg olgae with elwesii but it'd be worth a try. Reg olgae (just like nivalis) crosses easily with plicatus, and elwesii crosses easily with plicatus, plus elwesii has similar nuclear DNA weight to plicatus. So yeah, give it a try. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 03, 2013, 09:14:41 PM
not sunny enough to tempt much into opening today, Colossus and Fieldgate Prelude in the greenhouse.



Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 03, 2013, 09:22:32 PM
Thanks Martin.

Lost label time. Guys and girls whats the first double to flower? Is it Farringdon Double with very neat inners and flowering for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 03, 2013, 09:48:20 PM
It certainly is the first with me, Mark.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 03, 2013, 11:20:02 PM
I'll write a label with a ?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 04, 2013, 09:34:50 AM
I think it's generally accepted to be the first of the older double varieties to flower Mark, of course nowadays something will probably preceed it ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 04, 2013, 09:37:30 AM
Mild weather and the snowdrops are opening quickly:
G. 'Atkinsii'
G. 'Castlegar'
G. 'David Baker'
G. 'Desdemona'
G. 'Ding Dong'
G. 'Florence Baker;
G. 'Lavinia'
G. 'Mrs Macnamara'
G. 'Three Ships'
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 04, 2013, 09:43:47 AM
Fingers crossed these will upload
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Anthonyh on January 04, 2013, 11:08:35 AM
Very nice pictures Paddy.

 Mine are running rather late this year... worryingly so in some cases... and my first Faringdon Double is still a week away from opening. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 04, 2013, 12:11:10 PM
Nice to have so many out early, I'm praying for cold weather because things are shooting up fast and it's not good for our openings if they're over too quickly, ridiculously mild at the moment.

Had hoped to be in Ireland at the end of jan for a few days but had to cancel the trip before Xmas  :(
Maybe next year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 04, 2013, 12:49:29 PM
Amazing Paddy, you have so many flowering already. Most are just showing overhere.
Only Gabriel, Farringdon Double and Pl Colossus are flowering overhere.

Some others are waiting to get open, think they hate all the rain ( like me  >:()
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 04, 2013, 02:19:27 PM
Our weather has been particularly mild over the Christmas period and we have had an unusually early flowering of snowdrops. G. Faringdon Double' is over at this stage. There are many others on the cusp of flowering and if this weather continues it may be a short season. We will enjoy it while we have it.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 04, 2013, 03:09:21 PM
Our weather has been particularly mild over the Christmas period and we have had an unusually early flowering of snowdrops. G. Faringdon Double' is over at this stage. There are many others on the cusp of flowering and if this weather continues it may be a short season. We will enjoy it while we have it.
Good grief - one over already? Seems incredible from our perspective.
Still, you are quite right - better to enjoy them  for a short time in an odd period than not at all.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 04, 2013, 03:13:21 PM
Same mild weather over here Paddy, but we have had lots of rain for the last 4 weeks.
And there is a big difference in the development of the snowdrops. The one's I did get "in the green" are much later
than the one's I did get as dormant bulbs in the summer.

Some losses are noticed by me too. Most of those were damaged by the very cold weather we did have over here
last Febr. Hope we do not get the same late cold weather as last year, snowdrops were far developt ( due to the warm
weather we had in Dec. and Jan.) and the frost ( - 21) in Febr. killed several cultivars. Some were damaged by that cold weather but they seem not to have recovered totally and have now been killed by the wet weather  :'(. 
Think there will be some more losses before the season is over...... 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Sean Fox on January 04, 2013, 03:33:28 PM
Very nice indeed Paddy and far ahead of mine although things are starting to move with this mild weather, but they are well behind on last years showings.

As for losses, after the really wet spring/summer/autumn and now winter last/this year I'm surprised at how resilient snowdrops are as they can't have had a dry spell at all during their dormant season for me. I have three confirmed losses so far (no show's in pots which I have carefully tipped out to check  :() and so far the one's in the garden seem to be doing OK, although like I've stated well behind last years showings. And considering all the wet weather I'm also surprised that stag hasn't reared it's ugly head round here (although I've probably tempted fate)! All in all I'm happy with the way things are growing, I was worried by the number of no shows a few weeks ago so rather relieved!!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 04, 2013, 05:01:16 PM
few more in the greenhouse, all new arrivals last year.

gracils Vic Horton
Percy Picton
nivalis Blythe Spirit



Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 04, 2013, 06:08:28 PM
Nice pictures Richard, great that your new arrivals are doing well. Niv. Blithe Spirit is here almost flowering, planted outside
in the garden. It is a great, strong cultivar. Specially looking great when they are flowering in a clump, nice markings  :).
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 04, 2013, 07:19:17 PM
For some reason Harveys now sell under a new name on Ebay - dorasnowdrops
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 04, 2013, 07:32:58 PM
and bertiesnowdrops .... and given himself feedback. Roger!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 04, 2013, 09:20:59 PM
and bertiesnowdrops .... and given himself feedback. Roger!

 :o ::) :o ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ScotsmanInKent on January 04, 2013, 10:14:43 PM
Richard

Glad your new drops are doing well. The Fieldgate Prelude looks wonderfull.

Paddy

WOW, you are really far ahead of here in Kent. Nice pictures and you are very lucky to have so many coming up at once. I only have noses here so far, apart from some elwesii where the flower buds are out but not open. My drops are all behind this year and I think I may have some losses, has been very wet here this year.

I love the David baker, haven't seen this one before but like the marks a lot. If anyone has a spare bulb they would be willing to donate or swop with me please let me know by IM. Also my Mrs Mac clump have all been eaten by something. They should have been up and when I dug in found a few half eaten bulbs with no roots. trying the pearlite moist back trick to see if I will get bulblets, but no flowers for me this year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 05, 2013, 02:09:13 AM
and bertiesnowdrops .... and given himself feedback. Roger!

....and finesnowdrops2013.....
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 05, 2013, 08:27:54 AM
I looked at his original feedback which be the reason for the name change - non flowering plants and plants sent in jiffy bags.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 05, 2013, 09:52:45 AM
...and of course Roger, being Roger is taking the opportunity to advertise the plant sale at the nursery ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Rob on January 05, 2013, 01:07:02 PM
Here are some Colossus flowering in the garden today.

[attach=1]

The clump has increased slightly from last year, but most of my snowdrops have stood still or gone backwards in number.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 05, 2013, 04:16:29 PM
My Haydns were looking very poor with no flowers so I lifted them, added leaf mould and bone meal. All are flowering again this year
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 05, 2013, 07:59:38 PM
AT LAST!!! After much wailing and gnashing of teeth, my new website is finally working.  8) Please have a look at my galanthus gallery - I hope it works OK for everyone, please let me know if you have problems.
http://www.dryad-home.co.uk (http://www.dryad-home.co.uk)

Edit by maggi : please make comments on Anne's new website  here :
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9940.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9940.0)

I'm moving those already made there  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Olga Bondareva on January 06, 2013, 06:39:31 AM
Galanthus rizehensis from Kudepsta 400m near Sochi a present from Olga
Wow! Already! I am glad it feels good and you are happy with it.  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 06, 2013, 11:06:00 AM
'Wind Turbine' from Jo Hynes not quite behaving as it should in its first season here.  It is supposed to have green 'stripes' down the centre of the outer petals (somewhat akin to 'South Hayes') but there is only the tiniest sliver of green (which I would not have noticed had I not been looking for it).    You can compare with Jo's original post from 2009 (before the snowdrop was named) http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2806.msg67478#msg67478 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2806.msg67478#msg67478)

Stripes or no stripes, a handsome snowdrop, distinctively early-flowering and producing a second scape.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 06, 2013, 02:15:15 PM
....and finesnowdrops2013.....
and bertiesnowdrops .... and given himself feedback. Roger!


Good system to drive up the price  ;D

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Jo on January 06, 2013, 05:58:02 PM
'Wind Turbine' from Jo Hynes not quite behaving as it should in its first season here.  It is supposed to have green 'stripes' down the centre of the outer petals (somewhat akin to 'South Hayes') but there is only the tiniest sliver of green (which I would not have noticed had I not been looking for it).    You can compare with Jo's original post from 2009 (before the snowdrop was named) http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2806.msg67478#msg67478 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2806.msg67478#msg67478)

Stripes or no stripes, a handsome snowdrop, distinctively early-flowering and producing a second scape.

Hi Alan, glad you found that original pic cos I failed in my attempt to send you a picture to the reply system the forum has.  I don't know why. It wouldn't make the send bit available to click.

Wind Turbine is quite variable year on year, its outers usually reflex more than the one you show.  It is just coming into flower in the garden at the moment so I will try and photograph it in the next few days.

The season here is early too so I'll have to take some pics of whats out as well.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 06, 2013, 08:30:15 PM
Thanks, Jo.  I realised the forum would let me review your old posts and the very first of these was about the snowdrop that you subsequently named 'Wind Turbine'.  I never found the post where you first gave it a name; it was unnamed in 2009 and 'Wind Turbine' in 2010.

I wonder if your specimens will do the same as mine this year or if four months away from home have been enough to bring-about a change?   
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Tony Willis on January 07, 2013, 11:44:47 AM
Galanthus sp. from Vermion,the one Zubov is calling G. graecus. Like Melvyn's mine is part way between G.elwesii and G.gracilis.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 07, 2013, 12:21:25 PM
What a beauty - lovely shape and poise.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 07, 2013, 12:53:52 PM
That certainly is a lovely looking snowdrop.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 07, 2013, 02:00:14 PM
Hi everyone, thought I'd post a couple of pictures of a group of Godfrey Owen that are in flower now in my garden.

Thank you Emma T for the original.... ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 07, 2013, 02:56:14 PM
Godfrey Owen is an impressive and distinctive snowdrop but I have managed to kill it off twice.  Which is annoying, because I do not think it should be that hard to grow. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 07, 2013, 04:13:05 PM
Hi Alan, the first Godfrey Owen I bought from the Doc died.

Luckily when Emma T heard my tale of woe when visiting Snape Cottage she said she may be able to replace it as she had tried her hand at twin scaling.............clever girl!

I wish my camera picked out the details within the white of the flowers better.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 07, 2013, 05:29:41 PM
Very nice snowdrop Tony, great markings and a beautiful shapped flower  :o. Do you grow this snowdrop inside ?

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 07, 2013, 05:37:30 PM
Godfrey Owen is a impressive snowdrop, that's my opinion too. But like you Alan, I have managed to kill it also.
I was given a new bulb as dormant last summer. It is showing, so hopefully I will see it flower ( still have to wait 2/3 weeks I think...)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Tony Willis on January 07, 2013, 05:49:21 PM
Very nice snowdrop Tony, great markings and a beautiful shapped flower  :o. Do you grow this snowdrop inside ?

Yes in pots, they are split between the greenhouse and frames
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: johnw on January 07, 2013, 05:55:10 PM
Which are the Top Pocs?

johnw
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 07, 2013, 06:04:07 PM
Top of the Pocs - didn't I used to watch that on TV a long time ago?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: emma T on January 07, 2013, 06:27:48 PM
Hi everyone, thought I'd post a couple of pictures of a group of Godfrey Owen that are in flower now in my garden.

Thank you Emma T for the original.... ;D

You are welcome  ;D glad they are growing well for you . Mine are not in flower just yet .
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 07, 2013, 06:54:46 PM
Blimey Mike, mine are barely a cm through the ground!

Top of the Pocs John?  I think you have to say that they have to do well for you, on that basis of those that I grow: Gloria, Mark Solomon, Don Armstrong - not necessarily in that order.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Thomas Seiler on January 07, 2013, 07:14:45 PM
My 'Godfrey Owen' opened slightly yesterday and I tried to get a photograph from below. The plant is outside in the garden.
It seems to increase slowly but surely here.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Melvyn Jope on January 07, 2013, 09:05:37 PM
Galanthus sp. from Vermion,the one Zubov is calling G. graecus. Like Melvyn's mine is part way between G.elwesii and G.gracilis.
Very nice plant Tony, galanthus from Mt Vermion seem to produce a lovely range of markings.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: freddyvl on January 07, 2013, 10:52:31 PM
The snowdropseason has fully started as we can see from especially Paddy. On the other hand also beautiful pictures from Tony, Alan, Richard ....
A few pictures from last Sunday in the open garden:
. Richard Ayres'
. 'Rev. Hailstone'
. reg.-olg. ssp vernalis 'Amigo'
. reg.-olg. ssp reg.-olg. 'Christine'
. 'Ailwyn'
. 'Fly Fishing' (2)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: freddyvl on January 07, 2013, 10:59:55 PM
Part 2
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 08, 2013, 10:20:52 AM
I didn't realise 'Fly Fishing' has green tips............what a beauty!

I'm surprised too Brian that 'Godfrey' is up so early.

A poc that stood out to me when I saw it at a RHS Westminster show a few ago was 'Moreton Mill'....it was outstanding. I've never seen it available :'(
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 08, 2013, 11:47:26 AM
I agree with Mavers, never saw green tips at FLY FISHING pics.
Lovely habitus of the plant.
Freddy shows also: galanthus season arrives the continent :),
but has to go 700km to arrive here >:(.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ian mcenery on January 08, 2013, 05:52:18 PM
I now have Barnes flowering in January and this should have flowered in November ???. Three Ships has missed the boat so to say it was not out at Christmas :-\ But they are out now along with Mrs Macnammara one of my favourites and a most elegant lady indeed
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 08, 2013, 06:09:02 PM
Fly Fishing V Gone Fishing

Anyone got both? How different are they? I've got one but cant remember which but I really like Fly Fishing
http://www.snowdropinfo.com/galanthus%20gone%20fishing.html (http://www.snowdropinfo.com/galanthus%20gone%20fishing.html)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 08, 2013, 06:14:30 PM
Amigo has lovely dark green marks
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 08, 2013, 07:11:45 PM
couple more...

Mrs McNamara
Wasp in the greenhouse

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 08, 2013, 07:22:53 PM
First Galanthus reginae-olgae ssp vernalis RBGG Sicily in flower
brought in today
maybe it start freezing

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ian mcenery on January 08, 2013, 08:34:35 PM
I forgot to post this one. First flower this year on G fosteri antepensis from eastern Turkey
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: daveyp1970 on January 08, 2013, 08:41:21 PM
I forgot to post this one. First flower this year on G fosteri antepensis from eastern Turkey
I see both your and Tony willis have flowered yours,mine has just broke the surface.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Uli Lessnow on January 08, 2013, 09:44:38 PM
Freddy, Fly Fishing is a beauty, very elegant. I hope to see more pics of these
fine snowdrops.
Uli 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 08, 2013, 11:28:36 PM
Lovely photos from everybody.  Only a few in flower here but plenty nosing through.  Sadly many flowers are getting nibbled by slugs.....all you need after waiting all year to see them  :-[  I never use slug pellets ....any ideas on an alternative?

Have spent two frantic days searching for three new snowdrops.  Finally found them today....the labels were hidden under fern leaves.  All are 'no shows' which is a bit worrying....they were very small bulbs.  Does anyone growing Ron Mackenzie, Margaret Biddulph or Witchwood have any signs of life yet? I was over the moon to see Cider with Rosie coming through the ground...whew.  I read David Quinton's book last night and he mentioned how hard he found that one to grow.  A beautiful book which I have been saving to read during snowdrop season.  Will read it again and again.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 09, 2013, 12:48:21 AM
A poc that stood out to me when I saw it at a RHS Westminster show a few ago was 'Moreton Mill'....it was outstanding. I've never seen it available :'(

Mine came from Foxgrove in 2008, worth trying them? It was on Ebay in 2011 but sold for £82 - a bit pricey.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 09, 2013, 12:55:11 AM
Jennie I have many not up but I'm not worrying just now.

I did wonder why my group of rizehensis werent showing. Theyve been swamped by a mini Daphne. I dont know how I'll get them out from among the roots.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Carolyn Walker on January 09, 2013, 03:28:05 AM
Lovely photos from everybody.  Only a few in flower here but plenty nosing through.  Sadly many flowers are getting nibbled by slugs.....all you need after waiting all year to see them  :-[  I never use slug pellets ....any ideas on an alternative?

Jennie, I don't have problems with slugs eating snowdrops, but to keep them away from my lettuce I use playground sand because it's sterilized.  They don't like to crawl over anything sharp so I surround the plants with a circle of sand.  Since you aren't eating your snowdrops, a better alternative is chicken or turkey grit, which is available at feed supply stores here.  It is even rougher and doesn't wash away as easily as sand.

Carolyn
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 09, 2013, 08:45:26 AM
I use the organic slug pellets from 'Growing Success'  that contain iron phosphate Jennie.

It has made a world of difference as I find it soooooooo disappointing to wait all year for a special snowdrop to bloom only to have it spoiled by little slugs.

Here's the blurb.........

Growing Success Advanced Slug Killer is an important breakthrough in slug control, with many environmental benefits:

It will only kill slugs and snails. There is no secondary poisoning of birds or hedgehogs etc. and they are completely safe even if they eat the pellets so long as the product has been used as directed.
It is based on ferrous phosphate (iron phosphate - which is an organic compound) plus a bait, thus making it attractive to slugs and snails.
The slugs and snails are attracted to the bait, ingest the pellets and then crawl away to die, leaving no dead slugs or snails around and no unsightly slime. Any bait not eaten breaks down rapidly to iron and phosphate nutrients as part of garden soil.
It is safe to handle and apply
It can be used safely around ornamentals, fruits and vegetables
It is suitable for organic gardening
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 09, 2013, 08:46:27 AM
Thanks Steve for the info about Moreton Mill.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 09, 2013, 09:52:01 AM
Does anyone growing Ron Mackenzie, Margaret Biddulph or Witchwood have any signs of life yet? I was over the moon to see Cider with Rosie coming through the ground...whew.  I read David Quinton's book last night and he mentioned how hard he found that one to grow.  A beautiful book which I have been saving to read during snowdrop season.  Will read it again and again.
Margaret Biddulph and Witchwood are barely through here Jennie, and Witchwood like a thin blade of grass so no flower this year!  I must admit I keep dipping into David's book and will miss him around during the season.  Katherine is hoping to attend at least one snowdrop event and seems to be catching the bug, why it didn't manifest itself when David was alive we'll never know!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 09, 2013, 09:13:31 PM
Thanks Mike and Carolyn for your ideas to repel slugs....it's not a problem I have had before and is due to this mild, wet winter we are having.  I am going to start with sand and grit and if that don't work I will be forced to try the organic bait.  I have never used anything to kill slugs in nearly 20 yrs of gardening and just live with the odd leaf being gnawed ...but eating my snowdrops is a serious crime  :)

Thanks for the feedback on the two snowdrops Brian.....I don't hold out much hope as I don't seem to have the knack with tiny bulbs in lattice pots.  Add to that the non stop rain....but fingers crossed.  So happy to see Hugh Mackensie coming back this year as that was a tiny bulb and never flowered last year.  Although I have already had losses this year from bulbs rotting....I am very happy to see that older lattice pots that are sunk in the bed are really bulking up nicely now  :). I am getting there!

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: chasw on January 10, 2013, 04:03:03 PM
Brian it would be nice to see Katherine out and about during snowdrop season
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 10, 2013, 04:13:42 PM
I was given a bulb of Miss Wilmott for a special birthday last year.

It is now showing 3 scapes - waiting patiently for the flowers. :) :) :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: David Nicholson on January 10, 2013, 07:07:36 PM
I was given a bulb of Miss Wilmott for a special birthday last year.


21 were you Art? :P
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 10, 2013, 11:13:00 PM
Is Miss Willmott ghostly or just a whiter shade of pale? (Don't spend time on this if you are young).
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Lina Hesseling on January 10, 2013, 11:45:03 PM
 ???Oh yes! Procal Harem! Great music.

Are you traveling to Nettetal this year, Steve?

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Carolyn Walker on January 11, 2013, 01:11:45 PM
I have a friend who lives in Canada and would like to purchase some snowdrops beyond the usual five or six available dried.  Does anyone know any snowdrop sellers in Canada, mail order or retail?

Thanks, Carolyn
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 11, 2013, 07:04:21 PM
Lina
I'd like to, but it depends on the co-operation of a grandchild being born on the date I put on the order form.
Steve
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Lina Hesseling on January 11, 2013, 08:42:39 PM
This birth of a grandchild is this year. It is a great experience!
Nettetal is hopefully every year.

If you do come, we 'll meet there probably.

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 14, 2013, 01:11:55 PM
We sometimes refer to this book as the "The Snowdrop Bible" but now it's set in stone:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowdrops-A-Monolith-Of-Cultivated-Galanthus-/321051890874?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item4ac02f14ba (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowdrops-A-Monolith-Of-Cultivated-Galanthus-/321051890874?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item4ac02f14ba)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 03:07:21 PM
Success - at long, long last - posting one photograph has tempted me to try again to post these shots from a week or so ago.

Atkinsii
Benhall Beauty
Colossus
Ding Dong
G. rizehensis
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 03:10:00 PM
Yessssssssssssssssss! Successsssssssssssss!

That was the first time photographs posted for me in ages.

So, one last one to celebrate -

Lavinia
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 14, 2013, 03:10:48 PM
We sometimes refer to this book as the "The Snowdrop Bible" but now it's set in stone:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowdrops-A-Monolith-Of-Cultivated-Galanthus-/321051890874?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item4ac02f14ba (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Snowdrops-A-Monolith-Of-Cultivated-Galanthus-/321051890874?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item4ac02f14ba)

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 14, 2013, 03:54:33 PM
Paddy - a lovely selection of photos, well worth the wait ;D ;D ;D

Every year I am amazed how far ahead your drops are. I would guess Lavinia here is still at least 2 weeks from flowering.

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 14, 2013, 03:59:25 PM
I was given a nice small clump of Colossus last year, in two pots in the greenhouse and already gone over during the lovely xmas monsoon holiday.

Quote
Every year I am amazed how far ahead your drops are. I would guess Lavinia here is still at least 2 weeks from flowering.

do you have any very earlies? have a few spares if you can make it over some time in Feb.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 14, 2013, 04:09:43 PM
Success - at long, long last - posting one photograph has tempted me to try again to post these shots from a week or so ago.


A super selection of snowdrops to cheer us, Paddy

See Fred's post here for info re posting with attachments:
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9978.msg263658#msg263658 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9978.msg263658#msg263658)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 14, 2013, 04:10:18 PM
Hello Paddy,
seeing your pics, now I understand the English name snowdrop. A drop cannot be open, so you can never see the inside ;).
You last pic is phaenomenal!!!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 14, 2013, 04:44:32 PM
about all I could find outside today, Brian's byzantinus ex Warham (is doing very well  :) ) despite the conditions.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 14, 2013, 05:35:39 PM
Absolutely beautiful photos Paddy and I am glad you persevered....I always enjoy your lovely garden shots of snowdrops in clumps.   Love the last one of Lavinia growing through Cyclamen.

My brother gave me a camera of his for my birthday last week (he is a photographer)....he has set it on macro for me.  All I need now is some decent weather and subject material - can't wait.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 14, 2013, 05:38:15 PM
about all I could find outside today, Brian's byzantinus ex Warham (is doing very well  :) ) despite the conditions.
I'm pleased it's doing well for you Richard, it's a great snowdrop my patch is doing well too, but please don't give me the credit, it's one of Wol and Sue's :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: snowdropcollector on January 14, 2013, 06:43:49 PM
Great pictures Paddy, nice to see them flower in clumps. Specially the picture of Lavinia, surrounded with Cyclamen.
Do not hope you will get to heavy cold weather Paddy, with your snowdrops so far developt.

Keep on posting pictures, now you know how it works, Paddy  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 07:56:59 PM
Hagen, Jennie and Richard have spotted what is my favourite snowdrop scene each year - that group of G. 'Lavinia' coming up through the foliage of Cyclamen hederifolium. I would love to be able to boast that I had planned this many years ago and was delighted that it had worked out just as I had imagined but, while I planted the snowdrops, the cyclamen are seedlings from a plant elsewhere in this bed. It is a pretty little scene that I look forward to each year.

ChrisD - we are experiencing a very mild spell for the last several weeks. I haven't lit the heater in the glasshouse in the last  month. The snowdrops are simply shooting up in these conditions. I may as well enjoy them while they last. Cold weather is forecast.

Maggi, I had read the comments on posting photographs and all seems to be well again now. Great!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 08:04:39 PM
A few close-up photographs for Hagen (and all others, of course) who likes to see the detail.

Anne's Millenium Giant - the kind donor of this bulb said that it didn't live up to its name and wasn't particularly interesting but I am delighted to see the speed with which it is bulking up. It looks like it will give a good clump in a few years.

Anne's Millenium Giant
Atkinsii
David Baker
Lavinia
Mrs. Macnamara
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 08:08:19 PM
A few more:

Silverwells - a little extra piece on the flower!
Castlegar
Desdemona
Ding Dong
Florence Baker.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Melvyn Jope on January 14, 2013, 08:14:21 PM
Lovely close-ups Paddy, many thanks for posting them. I was really pleased when Ruby gave me a bulb of David Baker, just makes it a lot more special when you see it in flower as a reminder of David.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 14, 2013, 08:24:17 PM
Melvyn, about ten years ago Helen Dillon gave me a big clump of "David Baker's Green Tipped". I was thrilled and so grateful. However, the next year I found I had a good clump of G. 'Atkinsii' instead and never had the heart to mention it to Helen. I got the real thing a few years ago and think it is a delightful plant and as David was to have a snowdrop named after him it was well that it was such a good one.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 15, 2013, 09:16:40 AM
do you have any very earlies? have a few spares if you can make it over some time in Feb.

Thanks Richard. Yes please I would love some earlies, one of the things I am trying to do is extend the season particularly the early ones. I will drop you a PM at the end of the month. It will be good to catch up with you again.

The only drop I know I have lost is a Peter Gatehouse, doubly disappointing as it appears to be such a good early drop and it was the very generous gift of another forumist at your "coffee, cakes and snowdrops" day last year - Sorry Alan.

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 15, 2013, 10:01:55 AM
The only drop I know I have lost is a Peter Gatehouse, doubly disappointing as it appears to be such a good early drop and it was the very generous gift of another forumist at your "coffee, cakes and snowdrops" day last year - Sorry Alan.
I was interested to see this Chris, it is one of those that I have tried buying it time and time again.  I eventually gave up buying it and was given it in the same year by two different people (thankyou Mrs Swanton), guess what, it's growing! Sod's Law of gardening.  It surprised me as so many people had done well and regarded it as a 'standard' drop, however, as you get into snowdrops you do find I think, that some snowdrops like your conditions and some just will not thrive...that's apart from all the diseases and insect attacks!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 15, 2013, 10:13:03 AM
Oh Paddy now my heart beats faster.
Here is winter again with snow. So I must  wait weeks, I believe 6 or 7.

I like the closed blooms of galanthus very much also, especially they look like drops or balloons.
But it is difficult to identify the type.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ian mcenery on January 15, 2013, 10:52:59 AM
A few more:

Silverwells - a little extra piece on the flower!
Castlegar
Desdemona
Ding Dong
Florence Baker.

Nice show Paddy and good to see some plants. You seem very advanced I only have half a dozen or so showing so far
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 15, 2013, 12:07:18 PM
... I have lost ... Peter Gatehouse, ... - Sorry Alan.

These things happen; I should know!  I have never done well with Peter Gatehouse in the colder shadier parts of my garden so I recommend anyone who grows it to try a spot that will get the warmth of the sun in autumn and winter.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 15, 2013, 04:55:14 PM
I was interested to see this Chris, it is one of those that I have tried buying it time and time again.  I eventually gave up buying it and was given it in the same year by two different people (thankyou Mrs Swanton), guess what, it's growing! Sod's Law of gardening.  It surprised me as so many people had done well and regarded it as a 'standard' drop, however, as you get into snowdrops you do find I think, that some snowdrops like your conditions and some just will not thrive...that's apart from all the diseases and insect attacks!
Thanks Brian, its perversely reassuring to find experienced growers who have struggled to establish the same drops. Couldn't agree more about particular drops liking your conditions and others not, its all part of the challenge. :) :) :)

These things happen; I should know!  I have never done well with Peter Gatehouse in the colder shadier parts of my garden so I recommend anyone who grows it to try a spot that will get the warmth of the sun in autumn and winter.

Yes Alan I did choose one of the corners of the garden that gets good amounts of winter sun. The plant went straight into a lattice pot with my usual snowdrop mix, but it did then wait a week before being planted into the soil, with hindsight that week was probably a mistake. Having said that 6 other varieties had exactly the same treatment and they all appear to be doing well this year.

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 15, 2013, 05:02:47 PM
Thanks Brian, its perversely reassuring to find experienced growers who have struggled to establish the same drops. Couldn't agree more about particular drops liking your conditions and others not, its all part of the challenge. :) :) :)

They are there to test our patience ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Roma on January 15, 2013, 06:13:47 PM
Galanthus reginae-olgae (corcyrensis)

Very reliable in my garden.  Very late this year.  It is normally in flower from mid November but was hardly showing by Christmas.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 15, 2013, 08:40:40 PM
Over 50 cultivars flowering in my garden as of the weekend
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 15, 2013, 08:47:58 PM
Get the new camera going then, Mark!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 15, 2013, 09:30:56 PM
Low light levels means poor quality photos  :'(
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 16, 2013, 09:58:41 PM
A selection of photos I havent seen before
http://www.gapphotos.com/featuredetails.asp?featureref=564 (http://www.gapphotos.com/featuredetails.asp?featureref=564)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 17, 2013, 09:34:45 AM
I had a quick look, Mark, before being prompted to log in. I left it then.

"Green Hayes" and "Anglesey Abbey" looked wrong to me.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 17, 2013, 09:44:09 AM
But some nice effects resulting from the snowdrops being part back-lit rather than photographed against a matt-black background.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 17, 2013, 12:32:56 PM
They do look nice, but back to black..a pot of one of the clones of Wendy's Gold x Lutescens, and my first flower of Godfrey Owen (gave me lots of pollen too!)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Tim Ingram on January 17, 2013, 12:48:41 PM
What a lovely couple of pictures! I have tried planting 'yellows' together in the garden, but still only get normal seedlings from 'Wendy's Gold'. A more controlled cross is obviously a lot more effective. I have only just bought 'Godfrey Owen' (from Rod and Jane Leeds); a strong bulb but only just showing in the garden. It must be one of the most distinctive of all snowdrops. (We have around 100 plus different snowdrops in the garden, but I begin to realise I am still very much a novice! I am especially interested in selecting out seedlings that arise in the garden over time and are well adapted to garden conditions).
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 17, 2013, 12:55:35 PM
Anne, it is a very fine pale yellow green type you have.
I like these unobtrusive colors! Best.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 17, 2013, 01:04:47 PM
Quote
Anne W:    ......a pot of one of the clones of Wendy's Gold x Lutescens......

That is a very attractive hybrid Anne, holds itself well.


Quote
Tim Ingram :  I am especially interested in selecting out seedlings that arise in the garden over time and are well adapted to garden conditions

Surely the most important thing for a garden, Tim, rather than a collection and so of prime import in my opinion.    :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 17, 2013, 03:11:30 PM
Yes very pretty Anne, we'll all be watching your sales list in two or three years time ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 17, 2013, 04:54:46 PM
Is it possible to keep the pollen from Godfrey Owen Anne & use it to fertilise later snowdrops?

 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 17, 2013, 05:27:07 PM
That's the plan  ;D I've Mrs Thompson in mind.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ian mcenery on January 17, 2013, 05:49:27 PM
That's the plan  ;D I've Mrs Thompson in mind.

I wonder if Mrs Owen knows ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Carolyn Walker on January 17, 2013, 06:21:04 PM
Does anyone have any experience with 'Snow White' (not her gnome)?  There is a flattering description in the snowdrop bible as G. nivalis 'Snow White'.  I have also seen the name G. elwesii 'Snow White'.  However, an internet search reveals little about it and a forum search, which I am not sure I performed correctly, yielded nothing.

Thanks, Carolyn
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 17, 2013, 06:44:05 PM
Anne thats a lovely yellow. Holds its head high and looks like it doesnt have plicate leaves
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 17, 2013, 07:02:21 PM
Some forumists who may may be able to help with some info..........:-\

Forumist Gerard Oud sells  G. elwesii Snow White, .....
http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/index_gb.asp (http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/index_gb.asp)    gerardoud @ tele2.nl

Also Irish forumist Guy de Schrijver has listed it ( I think as an elwesii) in the past, ...
http://fieldofblooms.ie/product-list/ (http://fieldofblooms.ie/product-list/)           guy2002@eircom.net

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Carolyn Walker on January 17, 2013, 07:25:33 PM
Some forumists who may may be able to help with some info..........:-\

Forumist Gerard Oud sells  G. elwesii Snow White, .....
http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/index_gb.asp (http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/index_gb.asp)    gerardoud @ tele2.nl

Also Irish forumist Guy de Schrijver has listed it ( I think as an elwesii) in the past, ...
http://fieldofblooms.ie/product-list/ (http://fieldofblooms.ie/product-list/)           guy2002@eircom.net

Thank you, Maggie, I can always rely on you to come to the fore.  I am more confusd because both sources list it as G. elwesii (without a photo or description) but Snowdrops calls it G. nivalis.  Are there two 'Snow Whites'?  Does anyone actually grow it?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 17, 2013, 08:01:57 PM
Photo of Snow White on this page, Carolyn.....
http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/collectie_species_gb.asp?soortnaam=Galanthus+elwesii&offset=24 (http://www.sneeuwklokjes.info/collectie_species_gb.asp?soortnaam=Galanthus+elwesii&offset=24)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 17, 2013, 08:07:03 PM
bit nippy at work but lovely frost this morning covering everything, later in the day trees were raining ice.

few pics from the greenhouse this afternoon.

Lady Beatrix Stanley
Yvonne PC
Merlin
John Gray

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 17, 2013, 08:08:02 PM
one more....

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Lina Hesseling on January 18, 2013, 12:00:28 AM
Carolyn, I do grow G. 'Snow White'. It was a present from a friend. It will take a few more weeks to flower. Just two weeks ago it did break through the soil. It slows down a bit now we have very cold weather. I 'll show it as soon as I can take a good picture.

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 18, 2013, 05:05:59 AM
Hi Carolyn,

I was given the elwesii version a few years back - but it hasn't put in an appearance yet this year.  From memory of previous flowers I was rather 'unexcited' by it.  If it does show up in 2013 I shall try and remember to take a quick pic for you. 

Her 'Gnome' is also here, another kind gift I received because of this forum.

I don't think I have ever noticed the nivalis version growing in any of the gardens I have visited.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Carolyn Walker on January 18, 2013, 03:30:46 PM
Thank you, Maggie, some day I will learn to just click haphazardly on websites and something will appear.  It seems that there are two 'Snow Whites' because the photo you gave me the link for is definitely not of the poculiform G. nivalis described in Snowdrops.

Thanks, Lina and John, I would like to see your photos.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 18, 2013, 05:40:44 PM
First shot is of a little scene in the garden THIS MORNING - emphasis just to tease all of you feeling miserable in the snow at the moment.
I don't know what the snowdrop is. It came with a name which was clearly incorrect and I have dithered over deciding what it is ever since.

The second photograph is of treasured snowdrop in my garden as it represents that old kindness which was always there among gardeners and flourishes here on the SRGC website. How lovely it is to get an e-mail out of the blue and be asked, "Do you grow my 'Hans guck in die Luft'? Soon afterward it arrived in the post and will remind me for many years, I hope, of this kindness.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hans J on January 18, 2013, 07:48:31 PM
Hi Paddy ,

nice to see this plant  ;D
It seems it feeling well in Ireland ...

Hans
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hans J on January 18, 2013, 07:51:05 PM
Thank you, Maggie, some day I will learn to just click haphazardly on websites and something will appear.  It seems that there are two 'Snow Whites' because the photo you gave me the link for is definitely not of the poculiform G. nivalis described in Snowdrops.

Thanks, Lina and John, I would like to see your photos.

Hi Carolyn ,

please look here :
http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1448.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1448.0)

Here is a pic of Gal."Snow White Gnome"  :D

Best wishes
Hans
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 18, 2013, 08:55:22 PM
Hi Paddy ,

nice to see this plant  ;D
It seems it feeling well in Ireland ...

Hans

Excuse the damage on the petals. Maybe I was a little rough on it trying to open it to peep  inside. This is a flower I took inside to open in the heat and the photograph was taken on the windowsill. In the garden, there are three more flowers so it is doing very well indeed. I'm delighted with it.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 18, 2013, 09:44:16 PM
How will you collect & store the pollen Anne?

I did some direct crosses last year when most of the snowdrops were in bloom. Godfrey is out so early & I would like to use him on later flowering snowdrops.

Quite a few seedlings have germinated so hopefully something wonderful will result.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 19, 2013, 05:59:02 PM
The method of collecting pollen from snowdrops is a little different but not difficult. It's easier if you can pick the donor flower and bring it into the warm, then the pollen will flow. Cut a small piece of kitchen foil about 4cm x 3cm and put it on the table. Pick up the flower by the ovary and hold it the right way up (ovary uppermost)  over the foil. With a the blunt end of a pencil, or something similar, tap the inner segments sharpish and the pollen should fall onto the foil. Snowdrop stamens are like a tube pointing downwards and the pollen comes out of the end of the tube, so you have to hold the flower in the correct orientation. I then fold over the foil a couple of times, stick on a label and store it in a glass jam jar in the fridge.
To pollinate the seed parent, I normally strip off the outer and inner segments, by pulling them gently sideways while holding the ovary. I then usually carefully remove the stamens with forceps, which leaves just the ovary and style. I then carefully put pollen onto the stigma by drawing it gently backwards across the polleny foil, that way there is no risk of bending the style or damaging the stigma. Don't forget to label the stem with your cross. You shouldn't need to bag the flower as there are no 'bits' left to tempt insects, but I usually bag the seedpod before it splits with an empty (new) teabag, closed around the stem with a paper clip.
I'll try and take some photos to illustrate and put them here and on my website as well.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 19, 2013, 06:33:34 PM
Yes Anne, please do it so.
A picture tells me more than 100 English words :-\
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 20, 2013, 02:28:25 AM
The method of collecting pollen from snowdrops is a little different but not difficult. It's easier if you can pick the donor flower and bring it into the warm, then the pollen will flow. Cut a small piece of kitchen foil about 4cm x 3cm and put it on the table. Pick up the flower by the ovary and hold it the right way up (ovary uppermost)  over the foil. With a the blunt end of a pencil, or something similar, tap the inner segments sharpish and the pollen should fall onto the foil. Snowdrop stamens are like a tube pointing downwards and the pollen comes out of the end of the tube, so you have to hold the flower in the correct orientation. I then fold over the foil a couple of times, stick on a label and store it in a glass jam jar in the fridge.
To pollinate the seed parent, I normally strip off the outer and inner segments, by pulling them gently sideways while holding the ovary. I then usually carefully remove the stamens with forceps, which leaves just the ovary and style. I then carefully put pollen onto the stigma by drawing it gently backwards across the polleny foil, that way there is no risk of bending the style or damaging the stigma. Don't forget to label the stem with your cross. You shouldn't need to bag the flower as there are no 'bits' left to tempt insects, but I usually bag the seedpod before it splits with an empty (new) teabag, closed around the stem with a paper clip.
I'll try and take some photos to illustrate and put them here and on my website as well.

That is so interesting Anne - thanks for sharing that information.  Now I just need to get brave enough to strip back a favourite flower.  Look forward to the photographic demo.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 20, 2013, 02:31:25 AM
First shot is of a little scene in the garden THIS MORNING - emphasis just to tease all of you feeling miserable in the snow at the moment.
I don't know what the snowdrop is. It came with a name which was clearly incorrect and I have dithered over deciding what it is ever since.

The second photograph is of treasured snowdrop in my garden as it represents that old kindness which was always there among gardeners and flourishes here on the SRGC website. How lovely it is to get an e-mail out of the blue and be asked, "Do you grow my 'Hans guck in die Luft'? Soon afterward it arrived in the post and will remind me for many years, I hope, of this kindness.

What a lovely little scene Paddy - all it needs to complete it is a snowdrop fairy perching on one of those pebbles.  Hans guick in die luft is a very cute snowdrop - he looks sad especially after you mutilated him  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 20, 2013, 02:38:14 AM
Does anyone have any experience with 'Snow White' (not her gnome)?  There is a flattering description in the snowdrop bible as G. nivalis 'Snow White'.  I have also seen the name G. elwesii 'Snow White'.  However, an internet search reveals little about it and a forum search, which I am not sure I performed correctly, yielded nothing.

Thanks, Carolyn

Carolyn - I bought elwesii Snow White a couple of snowdrop seasons ago and photographed her, planted her and lost her.  Not sure what I did wrong.  I really liked the markings and believe it was quite a small flower....cannot be sure....never owned it long enough  :)

Here is a photo and a picture of the plant label that came with it.  :( :(  I hate losing plants
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hans A. on January 20, 2013, 08:47:19 AM
Here some pics from spain.
First is a nice seedling, second a green tipped G.elwesii from Avon and third?
Until yesterday I thought it is a normal ´Flore Pleno` - but now it puzzles me, both bulbs I have have six outers and neat Inners - I missed to check the leaves - any Ideas what it could be if not ´Flore Pleno`?

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 20, 2013, 10:35:31 AM
Hans your green tipped from Avon may be elwesii Green Tip
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 20, 2013, 11:21:46 AM
Thank you for the information Anne & the promise of pictures as well.

With all the hybridising going on the future for snowdrops looks very promising.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Wim Snoeijer on January 20, 2013, 06:52:46 PM
About Galanthus 'Snow White';

There are 2 references in Bishop, Davis & Grimshaw (2001) to the name 'Snow White'. The first is on page 97, the second on page 101.

Galanthus 'Snow White' on page 97 is synonym of Galanthus 'Bohemia White', as provided in the text.

Galanthus 'Snow White' on page 101 is refered too as G. nivalis Poculiformis Group 'Snow White'. This Group is what we now call Skirt Group.

The beautiful picture showing Galanthus 'Snow White'  from Huisman is wrongly written on the label. The name should be written as Galanthus 'Snowwhite'. The picture shows, by the way, the correct Galanthus 'Snowwhite' from Huisman.

The cultivar name 'Snowwhite' is, of course, invalid because of the name published by Bishop, Davis & Grimshaw (the page 101 name), despite the difference in way of writing. I put this information on the label of the herbarium specimen I made of Galanthus 'Snowwhite' ex Huisman.

Best wishes,

Wim



Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hans A. on January 21, 2013, 09:43:32 AM
Hans your green tipped from Avon may be elwesii Green Tip
Yes it is.

Until yesterday I thought it is a normal ´Flore Pleno` - but now it puzzles me, both bulbs I have have six outers and neat Inners - I missed to check the leaves - any Ideas what it could be if not ´Flore Pleno`?
Checking again the shown ´Flore Pleno` it seems to be a pure Galanthus nivalis but in both plants sitxth Outer are not perfect developed, will feed them and observe them the next years.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ArnoldT on January 21, 2013, 11:34:00 AM
Snowdrops in New Jersey
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 21, 2013, 12:37:41 PM
Must be a trick of the light but that first one seems cream-coloured rather than white.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 21, 2013, 03:21:13 PM
agree with you Alan, the first looks like warm light. Very warm light ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Melvyn Jope on January 22, 2013, 03:10:32 PM
I visited a couple of local garden centres today to see if there were any galanthus on sale, there are usually pots of G. elwesii and G.nivalis on sale about now. At the first there was nothing to be seen as the pots were unprotected and covered in about 15cm of snow but at the second I found this pot of very small G.nivalis, about 6cm to the top of the spathe. I thought it was quite nice for £3.14
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 22, 2013, 03:17:14 PM
I like the way your garden centre find clasps the outers
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Jo on January 22, 2013, 04:54:18 PM
The weather is so miserable this afternoon I am sitting catching up with the forum.  I tried to post some pictures I took the other day when the sun was shining but failed , I'm out of practice.

Here is G. 'Wind Turbine', in flower in a pot in the greenhouse and a seedling of W.T. flowering in the garden.  Also G. 'Trumps' and G. 'Rosemary Burnham' in the greenhouse.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ArnoldT on January 22, 2013, 05:51:08 PM
Alan and Hagen:

You're both right.  The photo was taken in late afternoon so the sun was more yellow than the early part of the day .
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 22, 2013, 11:04:50 PM
Hi Jo

Great to see you here for this season.  I appeared back on SRGC a few weeks ago but haven't had many pics to share yet. 

You are lucky having the greenhouse to get ahead of the season.

Great pics.

Best wishes

John
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 23, 2013, 12:27:49 AM
A few snowdrops for you, John, as you are under snow at the moment.

Two small snowdrop scenes - notice there is no snow.
E. B. Anderson
Brocklamont Seedling
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 23, 2013, 12:29:05 AM
Brenda Troyle
Barnes
Atkinsii Moccas form
Anglesey Abbey
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 23, 2013, 01:10:10 AM
Jo...I love Wind Turbine and it's seedling - the name really suits it.  Was it one of your selected seedlings?  I like the triangular shape of the seedling.

Paddy - nice to see snowdrops in a garden without snow.  My brother hard pruned our Malus 'Golden Hornet' the other day without me knowing.  He has coppiced it to be precise....I was not happy :(
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 23, 2013, 07:14:05 AM
Oh Paddy, a world without snow and such  a lot of fine open flowers. My heart beats hot ;) This time will even come here and I have to wait and wait and wait :(

Joe, your WIND TURBINE is very interesting with the little green blotches near the claw :o. Seldom seen!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 23, 2013, 08:41:16 AM
I like your garden centre find Melvyn.

And your Rosemary Burnham looks lovely Jo.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: JacquelineJ on January 23, 2013, 09:39:25 AM
Beautiful pictures Paddy.  Just the fix I needed being snowed under here in the Cotswolds and getting deeper and deeper after last nights "Snow Bomb" to quote the Daily Mail and still it snows.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 23, 2013, 09:56:14 AM
'Wind Turbine' looks lovely Jo, and the length of the petals on the seedling is exciting too.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Jo on January 23, 2013, 12:06:28 PM
Hi John, the snowdrops are struggling today, the greenhouse is certainly their preferred habitat  :D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 23, 2013, 04:51:57 PM
Paddy
Nice pics to brighten our monochrome world. Oh for the sun.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 23, 2013, 07:05:54 PM
Steve, we see the weather reports on BBC and realise we are very fortunate to escape the conditions you are suffering at the moment. Cold here but we spent the day in the garden as it is dry and bright.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 25, 2013, 11:27:48 AM
Something new for the future 'Gunter Waldorf'
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 25, 2013, 11:44:07 AM
Never heard about it, Mark. Where does it come from?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 25, 2013, 11:52:34 AM
I see that Gardens Illustrated for February had a page on Margaret Owen, nicely advertising her charity opening on Feb 24 11-3, also an article by Matt on collecting snowdrops with a range of portraits of some suggested flowers.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 25, 2013, 12:06:39 PM
It is a seedling found by Joe Sharman in his collection and originally know by phuk gnoes. Gunter has it in his book on page 127 as 'Phuk' but it was never meant to be named as that.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 25, 2013, 12:07:56 PM
I see that Gardens Illustrated for February had a page on Margaret Owen, nicely advertising her charity opening on Feb 24 11-3, also an article by Matt on collecting snowdrops with a range of portraits of some suggested flowers.

And a photo of mine and a link to the Galanthus gallery?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 25, 2013, 12:27:22 PM
Thank you Mark, my book is at home, I have to wait.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 25, 2013, 12:30:20 PM
And a photo of mine and a link to the Galanthus gallery?
Not as far as I know Mark, will look more closely... no I'm afraid you don't feature Mark.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 25, 2013, 12:31:00 PM
I should have also said there is a very nice article on David and Olive Mason's beautiful garden.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 25, 2013, 12:34:49 PM
It is a seedling found by Joe Sharman in his collection and originally know by phuk gnoes. Gunter has it in his book on page 127 as 'F*ck' but it was never meant to be named as that.

That is good to know Mark.  When I saw just the picture I was slightly disappointed that it was not a more distinctive flower for 'Günter Waldorf'.

But I do so remember hearing that amusing story when I was in Günter's house late one night a couple of years ago while Joe was proof reading the new book - so I can see why it has been chosen - it has certainly managed to put a smile on my face again this afternoon.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 26, 2013, 07:01:44 PM
Galanthus sandersii
Galanthus Primrose Warburg
Galanthus James Backhouse
Galanthus desdemona
Galanthus Brenda Troyle
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 26, 2013, 07:07:07 PM
Galanthus ophelia
Galanthus Natalie Garten
Galanthus ophelia
Galanthus woronowii
Galanthus Atkinsii
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 26, 2013, 07:12:11 PM
Galanthus Magnet
Galanthus Titania
Galanthus Galatea
Galanthus Melanie Boughton
Galanthus straffan
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 26, 2013, 07:18:24 PM
Michael some of those are way ahead of mine.

Is anyone getting very short spathes this year?  Too many of mine are short
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 26, 2013, 07:26:51 PM
Michael some of those are way ahead of mine.

Is anyone getting very short spathes this year?  Too many of mine are short
Might be natural selection at work - the snowdrops learning to keep their skirts clear of the slugs. In which case natural selection will favour those slugs that learn to jump.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 26, 2013, 07:38:25 PM

Is anyone getting very short spathes this year?  Too many of mine are short

So few 'drops visible here that we cannot say how they are doing this year, but Ian remarked in the Bulb Log recently about the unusual toughness of some of the narcissus spathes in the glasshouse. Instead of  them turning papery and splitting naturally, he is having to assist a lot of flowers to make their escape. we think it's caused by the weather conditions.


Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 26, 2013, 07:39:21 PM
Might be natural selection at work - the snowdrops learning to keep their skirts clear of the slugs. In which case natural selection will favour those slugs that learn to jump.

Steve.  The slugs and snails in Kent can find anything - even if it is on top of a 5 ft stem!  LOL - as I have found far too many time while growing my jungle plants for 6 months of the year!   ::)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 26, 2013, 07:45:32 PM
damn - that should be scapes  :-[
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 27, 2013, 12:11:23 PM
Michael - thanks for the photos. Are those under any protection - cold frame? They are so far ahead of mine to suggest we are on different planets. ;D ;D ;D For instance in the garden the woronowii have just got their noses out of the soil! Most of the others are buds waiting to elongate and open, they seem to have been in that state for most of January. We had rain last night which melted the last of the snow and it is quite warm today so hopefully things will start to move at last.

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 27, 2013, 12:26:48 PM
Hi Chris

From Paddy and Michael's lovely picture it definitely seems that for 2013 Ireland and England are in different time-zones (by weeks!).

I did have some stuff here that seemed well ahead - and other stuff, like you, that isn't even out of the ground yet.  I must admit to digging down with my finger early today (I know I shouldn't!  Brian - you didn't read that I did this) to find that things are still there but just taking their time to reach the surface.  Give it a few weeks and I am sure it will all seem normal.   
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 27, 2013, 02:20:23 PM


Quote
Are those under any protection - cold frame

Some in a cold frame and some in the garden but not much difference in flowering time. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 27, 2013, 02:29:35 PM
spent a few hours at work checking things were ok now the snow has gone, some more from the greenhouse...

Mighty Atom for sale this year, from chips in 2009 & the first big batch I did (with my daughter Maddie's help, she is v impressed!)
Madelaine
George Elwes
Hans guck in die luft
Benhall Beauty


Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 27, 2013, 02:31:20 PM
a not very Diggory looking Diggory...

oops,

gracilis ex Glen Chantry

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 27, 2013, 02:32:33 PM
Congrats, Richard- and Maddie - dontcha love it when a plan comes together? !!
Lovely healthy looking Mighty Atoms all lined up there.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 27, 2013, 02:44:31 PM
both very pleased with them Maggie, several hundred more were planted last year to create my Mighty Atom hedge, the one someone decided to dig a trench along last Feb  ::) >:( but most seem to have survived, did 300 more chips in 2012 and had a very good success rate again, still experimenting with varieties but MA seems to be particularly good.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Gerard Oud on January 27, 2013, 04:49:05 PM
Mighty Atom does twinscale very well compared to others.

Here are my Diggory's coming through the melting snow!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 27, 2013, 04:51:48 PM
both very pleased with them Maggie, several hundred more were planted last year to create my Mighty Atom hedge, the one someone decided to dig a trench along last Feb  ::) >:( but most seem to have survived, did 300 more chips in 2012 and had a very good success rate again, still experimenting with varieties but MA seems to be particularly good.
   Yes, it seems to be a 'good do-er' in many places   I like it for being chunky!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 27, 2013, 08:29:08 PM
both very pleased with them Maggie, several hundred more were planted last year to create my Mighty Atom hedge, the one someone decided to dig a trench along last Feb  ::) >:( but most seem to have survived, did 300 more chips in 2012 and had a very good success rate again, still experimenting with varieties but MA seems to be particularly good.

Richard - I am very very impressed.  Did you actually twinscale into lots of chips?  How many did you make from each bulb?  I am very interested in trying some chipping this year and wondered if it would be worth starting a new thread where members may be kind enough to offer advice, tips and even photos?  I do not feel so worried about the actually chipping - more about the growing on of the chips.

Well done Richard - I would be very proud if I had that sort of success.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 27, 2013, 08:31:30 PM
Have a look here for a start, Jennie :

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.0)
 12 pages there......
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 27, 2013, 09:55:13 PM
Jennie, I don't chop them up small, it seemed a little risky when I was first trying it, an average size mighty atom bulb usually produces 8 - 12 good sized chips, those done in June 2009 flowered for first time in 2012 which is the sort of turn around i was aiming for, it would be possible to slice up smaller still but I've not been tempted so far.

I'm still trying various compost mixes etc, the hard bit for me so far has been getting them through the first year, lost about 50% of those I did in 2010 but that was mainly due to me rushing to get them done, keeping them in pots and not looking after them properly, but when they need most TLC I'm usually running around like a headless chicken  :(

Current system is to get them into the ground in a well cultivated raised bed as quickly as possible then lift for potting/sale once they've flowered for the first time, I did keep a few in pots but were repotted every year.

This is the method I've been using

http://www.judyssnowdrops.co.uk/Propagation/Twin-Scaling/twin-scaling.htm (http://www.judyssnowdrops.co.uk/Propagation/Twin-Scaling/twin-scaling.htm)

Although I wouldn't suggest using bags, I have found small plastic pots with lids (from lakeland) much better, easier to clean, store and to make regular checks.

Currently trying a potting mix of JI No2 with added vermiculite and sharp sand, feeding with a weak dose of tomato food every few weeks, 4 chips per 9cm square pot. This seems to work well and of the 100 ish pots I planted in late Oct last year only a few haven't got 4 growing.

Sorry to drag the thread OT...

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 12:02:48 AM
Yesterday in the garden.

Benton Magnet
Brenda Troyle
Brenda Troyle
Dionsysius
G 71
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 12:06:25 AM
Continuing:

John Gray
Magnet and Warham behind
Anglesey Abbey
Walrus
Walrus
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 12:09:34 AM
X Files
Little Ben
G 71
Dahne's Scissors
Ann's Millenium Giant
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 28, 2013, 01:55:22 AM
Have a look here for a start, Jennie :

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.0 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.0)
 12 pages there......

 Thanks Maggi - have read it all and picked up a few tips.  After 4 pages it went to a discussion on Flocon de Neige, then Laurel & Hardy and various other topics.  Now what I would like to read is what to do with the chips when they come out of the bag/box and need potting up.

Richard - thanks for all the info - I will go to Lakelands and look for some boxes with lids.  Are they around the size of margarine tubs?

Paddy - Superb drifts - WOW - gorgeous
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:28:31 AM
Thanks for the snowdrop fix Paddy - a lovely sight to wake up to and start the working week.

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:54:43 AM
A few pics of flowers people purchased on Saturday.  (Sorry for the weird colours on some - these were taken under the kitchen lights and I had to tweak them on photoshop).

1 - Richard Ayres

2 - Ailwyn

3 - Timm's Hill Poe
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:56:29 AM
3 more

1 - Rosemary Burnham

2 - Faith Stewart Liberty

3 - Chequers
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Hagen Engelmann on January 28, 2013, 07:07:37 AM
Paddy, it`s a pleasure to see such a lot of healthy galanthus. Really big "Tuffs"
John, I saw a "greeny" on the seat back. Now I know it was Rosemary...
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 28, 2013, 08:50:13 AM
A test
Can non Facebook members see these pictures
saves a lot of posting

and of-course are all idea's if the names are correct welcome
this was the Surprise parcel from a few years ago
Finally about half of the snowdrops start flowering

Thanks in advance

Roland

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468048119910829.98816.452518118130496&type=1&comment_id=4827594 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468048119910829.98816.452518118130496&type=1&comment_id=4827594)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Lina Hesseling on January 28, 2013, 09:10:12 AM
Paddy, I love the way you grow your snowdrops in large groups. Mine are still most very small groups.

John, you bought lovely ones! G. 'Rosemary Burnham' and G. 'Chequers' look great!

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Rob on January 28, 2013, 09:15:32 AM
A test
Can non Facebook members see these pictures
saves a lot of posting

and of-course are all idea's if the names are correct welcome


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468048119910829.98816.452518118130496&type=1&comment_id=4827594 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.468048119910829.98816.452518118130496&type=1&comment_id=4827594)

I'm non facebook and can see the pictures.

Check Galanthus Ophelia, could be wrongly named.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 09:26:20 AM
Many thanks for comments on photographs above. We are enjoying a  mild though very, very wet spell and the snowdrops are opening day on day.

Have a look at my G. 'Walrus' above - I have some doubts about it; that it may not be true to name. Judgements and comments appreciated.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 28, 2013, 09:29:58 AM
Have a look at my G. 'Walrus' above - I have some doubts about it; that it may not be true to name. Judgements and comments appreciated.

It doesn't look as Walrussy as it should Paddy, perhaps it is a Walrus seedling?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 28, 2013, 09:37:31 AM
Thanks Rob

I have a look for the Ophelia

Maybe it is better if I post them also here
it is impossible to post comments for you on Facebook
I will make a new Topic so pictures aren't mixed up with other posts

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 09:49:16 AM

John, you bought lovely ones! G. 'Rosemary Burnham' and G. 'Chequers' look great!

Lina.

Hi Lina

They are not my purchases - Jenny took them home with her!   ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 28, 2013, 10:31:40 AM
Thanks Maggi - have read it all and picked up a few tips.  After 4 pages it went to a discussion on Flocon de Neige, then Laurel & Hardy and various other topics.  Now what I would like to read is what to do with the chips when they come out of the bag/box and need potting up.

Richard - thanks for all the info - I will go to Lakelands and look for some boxes with lids.  Are they around the size of margarine tubs?

Paddy - Superb drifts - WOW - gorgeous

Search the Forum and look on the Bulb Log Index, Jennie, I'm sure you'll find more there.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Lina Hesseling on January 28, 2013, 12:06:59 PM

They are not my purchases - Jenny took them home with her!   ;)

In that case they also found a good home.  :)

Lina.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 12:32:22 PM
It doesn't look as Walrussy as it should Paddy, perhaps it is a Walrus seedling?

Brian, I looked again just a moment ago - in torrential rain and gale-force winds - and some have the longer outer segments and others not. They are not long open and may extend as they should. I'll wait and watch.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 28, 2013, 01:42:20 PM
Brian, I looked again just a moment ago - in torrential rain and gale-force winds - and some have the longer outer segments and others not. They are not long open and may extend as they should. I'll wait and watch.
Good idea Paddy, keep the rain and wind please, I want to do some more gardening this afternoon!  The outer tusks could also be a sign of the bulbs maturity.  Mine disappeared (swiftmoth?) but is now coming back after a couple of years of building itself up.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 02:49:07 PM
I'm lucky to be home from work early today and have just had a quick 20 mins in the garden - in sunlight too  8) - though now it is raining again!!!   :-X

Not the best pics I have ever taken and no chance of taking any more today.

I am sooooo surprised at what a difference 48 hours have made since Arthur and Jennie visited.  The flowers have progressed so quickly.   :o

Some very quick pics of a few things in flower today in my little piece of England.

1 - Fieldgate Prelude

2 - Ding Dong

3 - Rogers Rough
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 28, 2013, 02:52:58 PM
Search the Forum and look on the Bulb Log Index, Jennie, I'm sure you'll find more there.

  Stuff like this :

http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2004/240804/log.html (http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/log2004/240804/log.html)
Bulb chipping 1year on

Previously on the log I have shown the technique of chipping Narcissus bulbs and here is an updated picture showing, on the left, how they are after one year's growth. The remains of the old scales have dried out and should now be removed from the young bulbs. On the right, above, are last year's newly cut up scales and, below them, are the same cuttings six weeks on, showing the tiny bulbs forming.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/270603/log.html (http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/270603/log.html)

http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/210803/log.html (http://www.srgc.org.uk/bulblog/210803/log.html)

You can see that the latent buds between the leaf scales have already started to form small bulbs. At this stage I like to especially check out the ones that are not forming a bulb and if they are showing any signs of rotting I remove them. It is very unusual for the ones forming bulbs to rot away. I also assess the moisture level of the vermiculite and if I think it necessary I add a tiny drop or two of water, better too little than too much.



Brian Ellis reply to :
Quote from: Martin Baxendale on October 31, 2010, 08:29:19 PM
Quote from: annew on October 31, 2010, 07:37:07 PM
So glad to hear you are still potting up chips, Martin. I just did the last of mine and was worried I was too late. What is your experience of success rates this late? I have to confess that I chipped too late this year so the bulbils aren't as big as I would like.


I think it's okay to chip any time the bulb is dormant, right up till rooting starts. I once chipped some bulbs in October as an experiment, and by February they'd caught up with those chipped in June/July.


...and I am just about to pot up this years chips, which were done rather late and are now ready to take out of their bags.  Last years are beginning to poke their noses through in their pots, so I feel as though I really am late



Martin Baxendale reply to :
Quote from: steve owen on February 08, 2009, 12:57:27 PM
Should one lay the scales + bulbils on the surface when potting or cover them? If cover, how deep and with what medium?


They should be covered, so the tops of the chips are just below the surface of the (well-drained) compost, and then a layer of grit (not too deep and not to coarse).

Martin Baxendale :
....... I think I could just about get away with annual repotting in fresh good quality loam-based compost (John Innes 2 or 3 depending on bulb size, chosen for a good loam content, plus extra drainage material - pumice grit in my case) and Maxicrop non-fertiliser original (brown bottle) seaweed extract. But for fastest development of seedlings and chips to flowering I think some added fertiliser on top of what's in the compost would probably be beneficial. I think I'll stick to very regular doses of the non-fertiliser-boosted Maxicrop seaweed extract (at virtually every watering) and add a dose of a high-potash liquid feed (e.g. tomato fertiliser) every other watering or so. Some of my seedlings are taking a long time to reach flowering and anything I can do to speed that up has to be a good thing.

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=7719.msg212930#msg212930 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=7719.msg212930#msg212930)

A few questions:

Is it essential to regularly open the bag containing chipped Galanthus to allow for air exchange. This has been recommended on several sites yet my understanding is that polythene allows gas but not moisture exchange?

Do folks grow 'Augustus' near their collection of other snowdrops?  As it has potyvirus I am amazed it is so incredibly vigorous.  Secondly the book says Ronald Mackenzie has a virus-free 'Augustus'. Has anyone seen it and exactly how does one produce a virus-free bulb other than selfing and growing it from seed again? In which case the name 'Augustus' should not apply.   

My experiment to dry out pots of Galanthus by sowing annual rye seed in the pots as the leaves were dying down has worked rather well.  The rye was not so vigorous as to dry the medium out too quickly, in fact a few pots were still moist halfway down despite not having been watered since June.  The roots nicey dried the tunics and especially those tight spots between offset and mother.  Survival in  general improved.  The only casualty was lagodechianus of which we had several hundred bulbs; somehow the pots were misplaced and we missed watering them until January - they did not approve. Still we have a dozen survivors and they reproduce like mad; if only they'd flower.
johnw

I don't know that it is essential John, but I open my bags once a week to allow air in and for me to check on their status.  It means any that are not looking good can be removed before they infect others.
Brian Ellis

apparently I didn`t read the articles about chipping very good as I don`t recall reading to let fresh air in the bag.But I will do so and look at the chips carefully.This is my first attempt with just one chipped bulb,only 12 parts in the bag.but so far so good,no wilt or other bad signs.and after 6 weeks not yet a bulbil to see.

now my question:when do I pot the chips?I mean,should I put them in the soil after 3 months even if there are no bulbils or do I wait till they have bulbils,even when it is already winter?
any advice please?
loes

I don't open my bags of chips and find they do fine without refreshing the air in the bag on a regular basis. In fact, I would imagine that opening the bags regularly makes it more likely that airborne fungi spores may get in. I check the bags by simply shaking the vermiculite gently around to expose the chips to sight (flattening the bags on a table helps too) so I can see if there are rot problems - which is usually pretty obvious without opening the bag.

Loes, I pot chips after 3 or 4 months even if there is no sign of bulbil formation. Bulbils can still continue to develop after potting, along with root formation which will help to keep the chip hydrated and firm even if there is no leaf growth. It's not uncommon for chips to fail to make bulbs and leaves the first season, but when you come to check on them after the end of the first growing season you'll often find that small bulbils will have formed. If not, then repot the scales again. As long as they are firm and healthy, there's a good chance that they'll make bulbils eventually.

John, I have Augustus from Ron Mackenzie and although it shows no signs of virus at the start of the season, it does later on. The theory was that some Augustus in some gardens may have been isolated before Augustus was infected with virus. But since the vast majority have virus, I suspect it got infected very early on, before it was widely distributed, and perhaps before it was distributed at all, so ALL stock may be virused. It never sets seed for me, so I think it's probably a virtually sterile triploid, which would explain its vigour despite virus infection. Often if a snowdrop is well grown the virus symptoms are not obvious, but show up when the bulb is stressed.
Martin Baxendale


www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=779.msg19753#msg19753 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=779.msg19753#msg19753)
« Reply #27 on: September 29, 2007, 12:26:56 AM »
Spent all evening potting up snowdrop chips. Here are some pics to show that it can be successful.

The size of the bulbils you get after a few months in the bags of vermiculite can vary quite a lot depending on the size of adult bulb that the snowdrop makes and the vigour of the individual snowdrop.

For example, the first two pics are chips from seedlings involving Gal. 'Mighty Atom' both of which are very strong, large-flowered  plants, reluctant to set seed, so probably triploids with plicatus blood, making large bulbs. The third pic is of some chips from Gal. reginae-olgae, a less vigorous snowdrop with naturally small bulbs, so making smaller bulbils when chipped. But all will make good leaf growth after potting. I just try to pot the smaller bulbils closer packed in smaller pots and the bigger ones a little more spaced in larger pots as they'll develop faster and make larger bulbs more quickly.   (plus pix)
Martin Baxendale


P.S. I've added this to the old  thread http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.00 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=2042.00)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 02:54:37 PM
and a few more:

1 - Yaffle

2 - Three Ships

3 - Godfrey Owen
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 28, 2013, 03:29:52 PM
I'm lucky to be home from work early today and have just had a quick 20 mins in the garden - in sunlight too  8) - though now it is raining again!!!   :-X

Not the best pics I have ever taken and no chance of taking any more today.

I am sooooo surprised at what a difference 48 hours have made since Arthur and Jennie visited.  The flowers have progressed so quickly.   :o

Some very quick pics of a few things in flower today in my little piece of England.

1 - Fieldgate Prelude

2 - Ding Dong

3 - Rogers Rough

And we are getting the benefit of your time in the garden too, John   :)-  the development of the flowers is superfast, isn't it?
Most of our snow is gone but the gale and pouring rain have arrived, so I hope our flowers just wait!

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: chasw on January 28, 2013, 03:56:18 PM
Thought that I would have some time in the garden also this afternoon :),after about 5 mins the rain arrived and now we have strong winds with the rain
 :(
Perhaps tomorrow
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 28, 2013, 04:05:31 PM
I have never succeeded in keeping 'Godfrey Owen' but I always think of it as having six more-or-less perfect outer petals.  But John's clump seems to show a mixture of practically-perfect to not-so-good-at-all.  Is that my imagination in looking at the photo or normal behaviour for that particular snowdrop?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:08:55 PM
It doesn't look as Walrussy as it should Paddy, perhaps it is a Walrus seedling?

Hi Paddy

'Walrus' is literately 3mm above ground here.  From memory I seem to remember that the tusks lengthen with age.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:15:04 PM
I have never succeeded in keeping 'Godfrey Owen' but I always think of it as having six more-or-less perfect outer petals.  But John's clump seems to show a mixture of practically-perfect to not-so-good-at-all.  Is that my imagination in looking at the photo or normal behaviour for that particular snowdrop?

Hi Alan

There are definitely 6 inners and six outers there on all the flowers - it is just a lack of sunshine and my crap photograph that makes it look not so.

I'll try and do a better pic in a week or two on a warmer day when I have some time in daylight.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 28, 2013, 04:34:24 PM
EDIT:

Hi Alan -  I've now been out with a torch and there are some that are not the perfect 6 outers with 6 inners.

I've never noticed that before so, for me, it does not detract from the overall look.

Still a beautiful snowdrop though.  :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 28, 2013, 04:39:42 PM
Hi Paddy

'Walrus' is literately 3mm above ground here.  From memory I seem to remember that the tusks lengthen with age.

My tusks are lengthening with age - will I become a walrus?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 28, 2013, 04:53:34 PM
  Stuff like this :

Maggie

You did a fantastic job

Thanks

maybe an idea to put this chipping info in a special topic on top

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 28, 2013, 05:05:19 PM
A close up of the 'Selborne Greentips' showing the twin bells.  Kent Gardener also posted a picture of this in his blog

I bought 'Rosemary Burnham' in 2011 and flowered it, but lost it.  I bought another in 2012 and am pleased to see I now have two bulbs and 2 flowers - fingers crossed I don't lose them.

General view of my cold frames.  If weather is sufficiently bright I will try to take some photos tomorrow - better than those above.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 28, 2013, 06:03:56 PM
Maggie
You did a fantastic job
Thanks
maybe an idea to put this chipping info  in a special topic on top
Roland
 
Thanks Roland- I have done that.  I have asked Ian to address the chipping subject more fully  in a future Bulb Log - he doesn't chip 'drops  much, mind you, but he does narcissus- same difference really  ::)   and it may be something that others are interested in.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 28, 2013, 06:35:46 PM
Maggi, did Ian ever chip Narcissus cyclamineus?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: bulborum on January 28, 2013, 07:34:48 PM
Michael

they are very easy to seed
or do you have a special clone

Roland
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 28, 2013, 07:35:51 PM
Maggi, did Ian ever chip Narcissus cyclamineus?
Not that I remember, Michael  but I'll check..... ....... he says he hasn't bothered. Raises it from seed for preference.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 28, 2013, 08:06:05 PM
So many posts its hard to keep up :D

Paddy - those clumps look fantastic, as you have mentioned they look very natural like that.

John/Jennie - Wow Rosemary Burnham is quite a stunner, good luck with her.

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 28, 2013, 09:45:45 PM
Lovely photo of Selbourne Green Tips Arthur.  Does this cultivar normally have two flowers or is this an anomaly?  Mine are only just coming through the ground at the moment.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 29, 2013, 12:22:37 PM
This is a curious snowdrop I found last year, very lightly coloured on the outer petals so that it is off-white rather than white.  Sometimes snowdrops can go a bit funny just as the flowers go over so I was not completely sure about it last year.  But this one looked this way in bud this year and has only just come into flower. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Paddy Tobin on January 29, 2013, 12:28:02 PM

Paddy - those clumps look fantastic, as you have mentioned they look very natural like that.

Chris

Chris,  these are the ones which grow well in the garden so they bulk up with ease. Paddy
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 29, 2013, 01:00:41 PM
This is a curious snowdrop I found last year, very lightly coloured on the outer petals so that it is off-white rather than white.  Sometimes snowdrops can go a bit funny just as the flowers go over so I was not completely sure about it last year.  But this one looked this way in bud this year and has only just come into flower.

And nice green tip stripe too Alan.   8)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 01:06:49 PM
A close up of the 'Selborne Greentips' showing the twin bells.  Kent Gardener also posted a picture of this in his blog

I bought 'Rosemary Burnham' in 2011 and flowered it, but lost it.  I bought another in 2012 and am pleased to see I now have two bulbs and 2 flowers - fingers crossed I don't lose them.

General view of my cold frames.  If weather is sufficiently bright I will try to take some photos tomorrow - better than those above.

Nice plants, Arthur, especially twin-bells Selborne Greentips. Is this feature really stable for this cultivar? And does anybody know stable twin-bells snowdrop cultivars, of course not of virus-nature....
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 29, 2013, 01:12:59 PM
almost tropical today compared to this time last week :) trying to get mulching finished before we open at the weekend though not much to see...

byzantinus ex Warham (this is up there with Washfield Colesbourne & Peardrop as being a lovely well proportioned drop for me)
Little John
Lapwing
Daphne's Scissors
Elmley Lovett (mark seems very variable)

Apple Bank I started planting 5+ years ago, considering the terrible soil everything doing very well.



Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 29, 2013, 01:14:08 PM
last one...
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 01:44:56 PM
last one...

what a picturesque winter situation, Richard  :o - I liked much your drop place under apple-trees.
per contra I have another winter picturesque table, may be a little bit siberic, but nice, as for me...
now in my garden there is 45 cm deep snow and it is entirely covered with snow my Mediterranean snowdrop cold tunnel  ;D  Happy New Year!
ps - there are one 15-years old Juniperus squamata behind my Conica and the same age Pinus mugo behind Forsythia at least I left them there in December yet.... :-X
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 29, 2013, 02:09:02 PM
Nice plants, Arthur, especially twin-bells Selborne Greentips. Is this feature really stable for this cultivar? And does anybody know stable twin-bells snowdrop cultivars, of course not of virus-nature....

I took a picture of the label on Arthur's pot.  It says:

"An elwesii with green markings on the outer segments towards the apex.  Early with often two well-formed flowers on the scape"
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 02:28:35 PM
I took a picture of the label on Arthur's pot.  It says:

"An elwesii with green markings on the outer segments towards the apex.  Early with often two well-formed flowers on the scape"
thanks,  John! wanna find stable twin-flow snowdrop cultivar to grow, like in Leucojum vernum ))
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: johnw on January 29, 2013, 04:30:13 PM
Dimitri - I envy your snow cover.   We have been unusually cold for over a week and have only 7-10cm snow cover; as usual the most precious plants have none around their bases.

While we have not been to record low temps the persistent night lows are whittling away at things.

johnw - -4c, sun and feels balmy.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 29, 2013, 04:39:48 PM
Thanks for the pictures Dimitri your snowdrops will be in their prime when ours are going over........it will be all up to you then to entertain us with snowdrop pictures ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 29, 2013, 04:44:04 PM
Rivers freezing over makes my few inches of snow look mild, does look amazing though  :)

what a picturesque winter situation, Richard  :o - I liked much your drop place under apple-trees.
per contra I have another winter picturesque table, may be a little bit siberic, but nice, as for me...
now in my garden there is 45 cm deep snow and it is entirely covered with snow my Mediterranean snowdrop cold tunnel  ;D  Happy New Year!
ps - there are one 15-years old Juniperus squamata behind my Conica and the same age Pinus mugo behind Forsythia at least I left them there in December yet.... :-X
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 29, 2013, 04:58:15 PM
... wanna find stable twin-flow snowdrop cultivar to grow, like in Leucojum vernum ))

I don't think there is any named cultivar that does this reliably.  Lots of snowdrops produce a second flower on a second scape (stalk) and several times I have found a snowdrop that has produced two flowers on the same scape once but never (yet) to be repeated.  But snowdrops that reliably produce two flowers on the same scape are hard to come by.  'Mrs Thompson' comes quite close but usually the two flowers are fused together.  I'm sure in time two-flowered snowdrops will emerge but I don't think it has happened yet.     
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 29, 2013, 05:12:08 PM
There is of course this one:

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8483.msg234174#msg234174 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8483.msg234174#msg234174)

which we are thinking of calling 'Saraband' if it displays a full quota of double flowers this year :)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 29, 2013, 05:30:45 PM
Thanks, Brian.  I was aware of that one but I wasn't sure if you wanted to go public (forgetting that you already had).  And even then, I guess that the total number of bulbs in existence barely runs to double figures yet.

I really hope it does continue to perform, by the way.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2013, 05:35:43 PM
I don't think there is any named cultivar that does this reliably.  Lots of snowdrops produce a second flower on a second scape (stalk) and several times I have found a snowdrop that has produced two flowers on the same scape once but never (yet) to be repeated.  But snowdrops that reliably produce two flowers on the same scape are hard to come by.  'Mrs Thompson' comes quite close but usually the two flowers are fused together.  I'm sure in time two-flowered snowdrops will emerge but I don't think it has happened yet.     


We have a plicatus (hybrid?) that makes a scape with twin flowers,  see this Bulb Log:  http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012Mar211332339999BULB_LOG__1212.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012Mar211332339999BULB_LOG__1212.pdf)
We're calling it 'Craigton Twin' ( devastatingly imaginative, huh?)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 29, 2013, 05:45:45 PM
'Craigton Twin' is a nice snowdrop, Maggi.  But again, I presume there are not yet many bulbs in existence. 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2013, 05:55:42 PM
No indeed, Alan - but then again, I rather think one could say that for a VERY large number of other named 'drops  ;D

It does show that there are such plants around though, which gives hope for the future.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 29, 2013, 06:08:11 PM
And hope for Oakwood, who wants one.  He just may have to wait a few years.

These plants would be interesting stock for a breeding program.  How about crossing yours with Trym to get a double-flowered version?   
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: annew on January 29, 2013, 06:15:02 PM
Saraband is a cracker, one to look out for in the future.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ronm on January 29, 2013, 06:27:24 PM
These plants would be interesting stock for a greeding program.   

?? ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: David Nicholson on January 29, 2013, 06:56:57 PM
?? ;D ;D

Maybe, but I'd prefer pork pies :P
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 07:05:56 PM
I don't think there is any named cultivar that does this reliably.  Lots of snowdrops produce a second flower on a second scape (stalk) and several times I have found a snowdrop that has produced two flowers on the same scape once but never (yet) to be repeated.  But snowdrops that reliably produce two flowers on the same scape are hard to come by.  'Mrs Thompson' comes quite close but usually the two flowers are fused together.  I'm sure in time two-flowered snowdrops will emerge but I don't think it has happened yet.   
yes, Alan, two-scapes drops aren't really rare in the wild, but reliably with two flowers on one stalk.....  it should be somewhere in their genom as they had a common multiflowered ancestor with Leucojums and I hope one time such mutant stable allele would appear in the wild, then in our gardens, in a manner like poculiformis morph allele appears from time to time from the wild collections.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 07:10:21 PM
There is of course this one:

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8483.msg234174#msg234174 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8483.msg234174#msg234174)

which we are thinking of calling 'Saraband' if it displays a full quota of double flowers this year :)
very showy, Brian - thank you! want to hope it is a well doer every year :-[
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 07:15:16 PM

We have a plicatus (hybrid?) that makes a scape with twin flowers,  see this Bulb Log:  http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012Mar211332339999BULB_LOG__1212.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2012Mar211332339999BULB_LOG__1212.pdf)
We're calling it 'Craigton Twin' ( devastatingly imaginative, huh?)
ohhhhh, Maggi - nice plant!!! love, love love  :P  :P  :P I wonder how it would be fat the smaller flower on a stalk of your 'Craigton Twin' in my hot climate allowing to warm up a bulb in our steppy summer  ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 29, 2013, 07:21:06 PM
ohhhhh, Maggi - nice plant!!! love, love love  :P  :P  :P I wonder how it would be fat the smaller flower on a stalk of your 'Craigton Twin' in my hot climate allowing to warm up a bulb in our steppy summer  ;)

The photo in that Log is from a very cold March - it looks better when there is some warm sun to open the flowers- perhaps  it would be perfectly fat in the Ukraine- but in March, would it be out from under the snow?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 29, 2013, 07:35:42 PM
surely out of snow!!! Maggi you know we have here very sunny March - the sunniest March all over the world!!!  ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: kentish_lass on January 29, 2013, 11:22:26 PM
Lovely finds Brian, Alan & Maggi - hope they prosper.

Nice photos Richard - the apple tree planting area is coming along very nicely.

Driving rain & wind stopped me going outside today but I will try again tomorrow and hopefully take some photos.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 30, 2013, 12:36:39 AM
Maggi, if you have some pollen to spare at some point from your twin-head plicatus I'd love to use it in my breeding programme. Pretty please  :-*
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 30, 2013, 07:57:51 AM
Yes, Martin.  I was thinking of you when I tried to write of snowdrop breeding earlier. 

(Unfortunately a now-corrected typo transformed this into "greeding"; which turns out to be a real word - who knew?)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 30, 2013, 10:55:47 AM
two more seedlings that appeared near a large group of gracilis Highdown have flowered this year, unlike the others these have twisted blue foliage.



Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2013, 10:59:31 AM
Maggi, if you have some pollen to spare at some point from your twin-head plicatus I'd love to use it in my breeding programme. Pretty please  :-*

It'll be quite a while before it's in flower again, Martin- barely out of the ground at the moment. I'll try to get pollen for you but yours may all be over by the time it flowers.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 30, 2013, 11:42:18 AM
Thanks Maggi. I can always freeze pollen for use next year. But I re-potted a lot of my snowdrops late this year so they're behind where they'd normally be and will be flowering (those that are large enough to flower after my mass-chippings sessions of the last couple of years) later than usual.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 30, 2013, 12:08:17 PM
Catherine Erskine has several twin spathed snowdrops. Here's some that I saw in 2006. Unfortunately my memory card crashed while there losing most of my photos
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 30, 2013, 12:19:57 PM
Catherine Erskine has several twin spathed snowdrops .... that I saw in 2006.

So potentially quite a few more by now.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2013, 12:34:52 PM
Catherine Erskine has several twin spathed snowdrops. Here's some that I saw in 2006. Unfortunately my memory card crashed while there losing most of my photos
The centre photo looks to be a twin poculiform- now, that would be nice!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 30, 2013, 01:02:05 PM
Maggi your language amazes me white fever is rubbing off. I dont like pocs because they all look the same but a twin flowered would be different
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2013, 01:06:52 PM
Maggi your language amazes me white fever is rubbing off. I dont like pocs because they all look the same but a twin flowered would be different

For me the joy of snowdrops is the purity of a white flower in winter- so poculiforms are the extreme expression of that; perfect white purity.      'Seemples'!
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 30, 2013, 02:08:43 PM
Richard - great to have seedlings flowering.  All my open crossed seeds have been sent off to Canada for the last 5 years and I can't wait to see what starts to appear from the genetics present here.

Maggi - That certainly does look like a twin headed poc - wow! 

Mark, any other snaps of that particular one?

The 3rd one (gracilis?) looks lovely but I personally would think of it as a "one off" twin (ie: two flower with two completely individual spathes but joined on a shared scape) - a shame as that could be a beautiful twin headed one.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on January 30, 2013, 02:11:49 PM
But how best to show off that perfect white purity, Maggi?  Surely by contrast with some green looking ones.  So better start saving up for a 'Green Tear'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2013, 02:35:40 PM
I do not find 'Green Tear' to be attractive, Alan.
I have 'Green Brush' and  'Green Flake' ( and Ian has used the pollen on other pocs to see what happens  :o :-X ) (Thankfully, I don't think he got much seed!)
Brush has  defined markings, as has Flake - my opinion is that I find the diffused markings on  Green Tear to look a bit muddy. Not to my taste at all. :P
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 30, 2013, 02:37:50 PM
I have a big smile on my face as I have had another day where I get an hour in the garden - in the dry - in day light.   8)

A few quick pics from my little Kentish garden.

1 - 'Sibbertoft White' - this was one of the first snowdrops I was ever gifted by my aunt when she was trying to "Get me to recognise the differences between snowdrop".  It seems to have worked!!!   ::)

2 - 'X-Files' - this is really late for me this year - I have previously been enjoying this with my early Christmas snowdrops - late and "floppy" this year.

3 - 'Penelope Anne' - over the years this has slowly been working her way up into my top ten.  She is always doing well here and is always happy to display that lovely dark green block.

4 - One that has often put a contented grin on my face over the past seasons - 'Gerard Parker'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Ian Y on January 30, 2013, 02:39:15 PM
I just found some more pictures of Galanthus 'Craigton Twin' taken on 20th March 2011 - one shows the group the other a detail of a flower.

It is stable with all mature bulbs producing the twin flowers on a scape.

I split it up last year into three small groups and passed a bulb on to another grower - later this year I will lift a bulb and twin-scale it.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 30, 2013, 02:41:46 PM
Your lass is a beauty Ian.   8)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Ian Y on January 30, 2013, 02:45:31 PM
Your lass is a beauty Ian.   8)

The snow drop is not bad either ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 30, 2013, 03:03:48 PM
I've "ummed and arred" about this particular post as the flowers are quite immature that I probably should not have taken their pictures yet and they will look much better in a week or two.

But as I am unsure when I will get daylight hours in the garden during the 2013 snowdrop season I am trying to grab any pics when I can.

1 - 'South Hayes' (is going to look so much better in Feb).

2 - 'Finchale Abbey' - only just starting to show the lovelyt tulip shape.

3- - 'Bloomer'  - doesn't yet in 2013 show the "described bloomer feature" - but appeals to me even early in the season each year.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 30, 2013, 03:13:07 PM
Your Kentish plot grows beautiful healthy snowdrops John.

Do you ever get any 'don't shows' the year following planting?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 30, 2013, 03:19:09 PM
A couple more as I was downloading the pics on my camera.

1 - Rodmarton Sirius

2 - Rodmarton Regulus

Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 30, 2013, 03:19:29 PM
Do you have any pictures of your lovely 'Green Flake' Maggi?

I remember seeing it in one of Ian's bulb logs.

Last night it was 15 degrees C down here in the SW in fact it was so mild the snowdrops that had opened during the day were still open in the dark & being blasted by the very strong southerly wind.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Maggi Young on January 30, 2013, 03:25:21 PM
Do you have any pictures of your lovely 'Green Flake' Maggi.

I remember seeing it in one of Ian's bulb logs.

Last night it was 15 degrees C down here in the SW in fact it was so mild the snowdrops that had opened during the day were still open in the dark & being blasted by the very strong southerly wind.

It's in this Bulb Log-     
http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2011Feb161297864141BULB_LOG_07.pdf (http://www.srgc.org.uk/logs/logdir/2011Feb161297864141BULB_LOG_07.pdf)     -  it is a pretty thing!

Yesterday David N. as telling Ian that they had a mild day - 12  degrees, he said. we had 5 degrees at the time.  :-X  Been nice and bright up to now today- windy and colfd though- getting cloudy now - I think more rain is coming.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Brian Ellis on January 30, 2013, 04:46:07 PM
It certainly is very delicate and pretty Maggi, and there is a nice mark on Cragton Green Twin too. I reckon you are a closet galanthophile ;)
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: johnw on January 30, 2013, 04:55:02 PM
A couple more as I was downloading the pics on my camera.

1 - Rodmarton Sirius

2 - Rodmarton Regulus

Pass the smelling salts please.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: johnw on January 30, 2013, 05:02:21 PM
Your Kentish plot grows beautiful healthy snowdrops John.

Astounding progress indeed.  Such health!

John  - Did you find Sibbertoft White slow to get going?

johnw - headed to +12c and 90k/hr.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 30, 2013, 05:08:58 PM
Thanks Maggi, just look at Green Flake again.......it's a heart stopper is that one! ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 30, 2013, 05:29:31 PM
nice day but too windy to take any photos outside so more from the greenhouse.

Ketton
Bill Baker's Early
Diggory (looking more like it should)
x valentinei
Anglesey Abbey
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 30, 2013, 05:30:49 PM
one more..

Mighty Atom


Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 30, 2013, 06:59:05 PM
Can someone help with the identification of this snowdrop.

Unlees I am having a senior moment, I was given some bulbs of Scilla morrissii and that is what the pot is labelled.

I was delighted to see the bud appear, as I have never had this scilla before.  A friend said it looked similar to a snowdrop!!

Days later, the truth was revealed - itis a snowdrop.  I removed a petal to better show the mark.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Tim Harberd on January 30, 2013, 07:08:01 PM
 
3 - 'Penelope Anne' - over the years this has slowly been working her way up into my top ten.  She is always doing well here and is always happy to display that lovely dark green block.

4 - One that has often put a contented grin on my face over the past seasons - 'Gerard Parker'.
[/quote]


Hi John, Thanks for posting your pictures... I particularly appreciate the comments.. Please could I trouble you to do a few measurements on 'Gerard Parker', as I understand it might be a ''giant'' contender!

Tim DH
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 30, 2013, 07:39:14 PM
my Penelope Anne didn't flower this year, something to forward to next, looks very nice.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: ChrisD on January 30, 2013, 08:00:58 PM
Can someone help with the identification of this snowdrop.

Unlees I am having a senior moment, I was given some bulbs of Scilla morrissii and that is what the pot is labelled.

I was delighted to see the bud appear, as I have never had this scilla before.  A friend said it looked similar to a snowdrop!!

Days later, the truth was revealed - itis a snowdrop.  I removed a petal to better show the mark.

Are the leaves as green as they look in the photos? If so I would suggest its probably G. ikariae. I dont actually grow that one but there arent that many drops with broad shiny green leaves. Second opinion anyone?

Chris
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 30, 2013, 10:12:18 PM
I think the colour is right.

Looking at Mark's photo gallery it could well be Ikariae.

Thanks
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on January 30, 2013, 10:27:24 PM
Are the leaves as green as they look in the photos? If so I would suggest its probably G. ikariae. I dont actually grow that one but there arent that many drops with broad shiny green leaves. Second opinion anyone?

Chris

IKARIAE
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Martin Baxendale on January 30, 2013, 10:27:46 PM
I think the colour is right.

Looking at Mark's photo gallery it could well be Ikariae.

Thanks

From the leaf puckering, size and shape of mark and shape and length of the outer segments, I'd say ikariae.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 30, 2013, 11:52:14 PM
nice day but too windy to take any photos outside so more from the greenhouse.

way too many blown around here in the last two days and loads of broken outers. What happened to them was caused by yesterday day time being 12C. By 5pm the high wind had kicked in
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on January 31, 2013, 05:02:20 AM
Your Kentish plot grows beautiful healthy snowdrops John.

Do you ever get any 'don't shows' the year following planting?
Thanks Mike,  indeed I do have no shows - usually, as you mention, the year after getting them (especially when some were the size of a small pea!).  But also at other times too - this year for example what was a nice clump of 'Lady Dalhousie' has not appeared and one of the clumps of 'Wendys Gold' has not appeared.  The 'Wendys Gold' I can understand as it was next to the pond and the pond has overflowed a LOT this year with all the rain.  But the 'Lady Dalhousie' is a mystery as it was doing so well and is in a good spot.  I've not investigated what is under ground yet.

John  - Did you find Sibbertoft White slow to get going?
Hi John, I think it was - I seem to remember it being just leave for many years and then a few flowers in the last couple of years - followed by a nice bunch of flowers this year.

Hi John, Thanks for posting your pictures... I particularly appreciate the comments.. Please could I trouble you to do a few measurements on 'Gerard Parker', as I understand it might be a ''giant'' contender!
Hi Tim - I shall try to measure it over the weekend.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Mavers on January 31, 2013, 08:19:47 AM
Glad it's not just me having some 'no shows' this year John.

Gerard Parker is one of my top drops, its flower can be VERY big when settled in.

I love Big Boy as well, if the wind drops over the weekend I will try to take a photo.

As Mark mentions the very strong wind is doing some damage to our 'precious things'.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: RichardW on January 31, 2013, 08:30:51 AM
Had to go out with canes and florist wire this morning, some of the early tall ones are getting flattened  :(
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 31, 2013, 09:35:08 AM
I've got several no shows including Wendys Gold but wont worry until maybe mid February
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on January 31, 2013, 10:07:33 AM
Mark
Spot on, far too early to be fretting over no-shows. After the cold spell snowdrops are bursting through where two days ago there was bare earth. Plenty of time yet for latecomers to the party. I also have the phenomenon of a small clump taking a year off and then reappearing.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 31, 2013, 10:51:12 AM
I bought Pride o the Mill off Ebay, dont panic Maggie, and the outers are flushed green but not obvious green as it tips or stripes. Is this how it should be?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 31, 2013, 11:20:49 AM
Pride o the Mill?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 31, 2013, 01:18:09 PM
Mark

It would help to see the inner mark.

I have this as Pride O' the Mill
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: David Nicholson on January 31, 2013, 07:24:19 PM
Just to prove I grow one or two:

Galanthus 'Hippolyta'
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Michael J Campbell on January 31, 2013, 08:07:43 PM
David,your are catching the bug. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: David Nicholson on January 31, 2013, 08:35:53 PM
Catch it Michael? I couldn't afford it? ;D
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 31, 2013, 09:03:16 PM
Arthur mine has only come out of the spathe a couple of days. Are yours flushed green? I better check the book
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on January 31, 2013, 09:16:19 PM
Arthur mine has only come out of the spathe a couple of days. Are yours flushed green? I better check the book

Mine do bnot have any green on the outside.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on January 31, 2013, 10:35:01 PM
Maybe it is lost by the time the flowers open. Can you check the new flowers when they drop?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on February 01, 2013, 02:46:04 PM
Maybe it is lost by the time the flowers open. Can you check the new flowers when they drop?

there is one here just dropping Mark and it is as white as white.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: KentGardener on February 01, 2013, 02:52:32 PM
Hi John, Thanks for posting your pictures... I particularly appreciate the comments.. Please could I trouble you to do a few measurements on 'Gerard Parker', as I understand it might be a ''giant'' contender!

Hi Tim

I have been fortunate to 'wangle' an early finish again today and have had time in the garden in daylight again - happy days.  I've never measured the snowdrops before - but have now just been out with the tape measure (not sure what the neighbours thought! ) and took pics of any that looked "bigger" - not sure how scientific this was - and I do know that the petals enlarge are they age so the measurements will be different in a few weeks.

But shall now add a few pics to your other thread.   :)

 
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: art600 on February 01, 2013, 05:32:09 PM
Maybe it is lost by the time the flowers open. Can you check the new flowers when they drop?

Mark
I am officially pastel shade colour blind, but the new bud does seem to have a green hue.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: mark smyth on February 05, 2013, 08:11:56 PM
Thanks Arthur.

Anyone else?
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: steve owen on February 06, 2013, 11:05:52 PM
Post cancelled.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Alan_b on February 07, 2013, 08:51:12 AM
A very unusual-looking snowdrop that I missed when it was reported here http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1315.msg264286#msg264286 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1315.msg264286#msg264286) .  If I did not know better, I would think those marks on the outer petals had been faked.
Title: Re: Galanthus in January
Post by: Oakwood on February 07, 2013, 09:03:47 AM
A very unusual-looking snowdrop that I missed when it was reported here http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1315.msg264286#msg264286 (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=1315.msg264286#msg264286) .  If I did not know better, I would think those marks on the outer petals had been faked.

just painted with yellow dye..... ;D Happy New year))))
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