Snowdrops: Theirs is a fragile but hardy celebration…in the very teeth of winter. Louise Beebe Wilder (1878-1938) – American Gardening Writer

Presentation: Snowdrops and Snowflakes by Michael D Myers

It is becoming increasingly popular to collect Snowdrops and visit displays of Snowdrops in gardens. Originating in Europe, they have been in the UK for 300 – 400 years. A genus of 20 species, we learnt that Snowdrops are distinguished by scent, flower shapes and colours, leaves and markings, size, time of flowering and cost - some being sold at well over £1000 per bulb for a rare plant!

Michael’s illustrated talk showed us the various species and explained how to grow with other bulbs to create a long season. For Snowdrops in pots, Michael recommended a mix of 25% SylvaGrow peat free compost, 25% John Innes No.3, 25% horticultural grit and 25% perlite and suggested this as a feed.

Friday Forum members were able to purchase Snowdrops and other spring flowering plants.

Display Table

Kate brought this attractive low growing Amaryllis with three stems

and a dish of Hellebore heads

Maggie brought Narcissus “Bridle Crown” purchased at the Ilkley florists, Erica Berry. A scented plant for in or outdoors

Maggie also brought Narcissus Minnow, Snow Baby and Tête-à-tête and a sprig of vinca

Dorothy brought a container of Hellebores

From her garden, Gill J brought Snowdrops including the early Mrs Mcnamara, named after the mother-in-law of Dylan Thomas, which bloomed before Christmas, Viburnum Dawn, Cornus Mid-Winter Flame, Jasmine nudiflorum, Hellebores, Crocuses, Anemone blanda, Camellia, Pulmonarias blue and white and Garrya elliptica

Ann brought Hamamelis Aphrodite, dark white and yellow Helleborus, Iris unguicularis, Narcissus Tête-à-tête, Crocus tommasinianus, Hepatica ballardii, Galanthus nivalis S. Arnott, Puschkinia, Clematis Freckles and Eranthis hyemalis

Next Meeting: 1^st March - AGM and forum on ‘no dig’ gardening method by Charles Dowding