SNOWDROPS - A SIGN OF HOPE IN LATE WINTER (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

SNOWDROPS - A SIGN OF HOPE IN LATE WINTER

2:19pm Sunday 31st January 2010 in

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Snowdrops are one of the joys of late winter. With their nodding heads of exquisite little white flowers, tinged with the freshest of green, they are a promise to gardeners everywhere that a new floral year is beginning.

It’s not surprising that they have long been looked on as a symbol of hope. A story that has come down through ages tells us that after the expulsion from Eden Eve was bitterly weeping in her barren garden. A kindly angel taking pity on her blew on a snowflake and turned it into a snowdrop and hope was born.

Plant bulbs in autumn or wait until spring and choose hybrids ‘in the green’. This means the plants are in full leaf and you can really see what you are getting. They do best in fertile, moisture retentive soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Plant in the garden in drifts under trees and shrubs.

Divide large clumps while they are in flower, or just after. Lift carefully and separate each bulb so that the leaves and roots are intact. Replant straight away at the same depth.

To see masses of snowdrops in full bloom why not visit Myddelton House Gardens at Bulls Cross, Enfield, EN2 9HG. Sometime in the middle of February should be best. The gardens are open every day between 10am and 3pm. For more details contact Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, telephone number 08456 770600 or visit their website www.leevalleypark.org.uk.