Galanthus | A Legacy in Bloom
In the depths of winter, when nature is in a quiet slumber; January and February can feel despairingly gloomy. But amidst the bare and icy landscape, a beacon of hope emerges. Known throughout folklore as the ‘harbingers of spring’, the appearance of the first clump of snowdrops is a sure sign that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon. Is anything more uplifting than that first glimpse at a carpet of delicate white bells nodding in the chilly breeze? These resilient little blooms offer a much-needed mental boost, providing a poignant reminder that even in the darkest times, life finds a way to persevere.
A Gift That Endures
Planting snowdrops isn’t just about adding beauty; it’s an act of environmental stewardship that leaves an endearing legacy. Unlike many plants, snowdrops are incredibly long-lived; once established, they naturalize readily, spreading and multiplying year on year. The humble act of planting snowdrops today can result in a breathtaking display that enchants future generations for decades to come.
A Refuge for Wildlife
Snowdrops provide an early source of nectar and pollen for emerging pollinators, at a crucial time when food sources are scarce. By planting large areas of snowdrops, you’re creating a vital haven for these essential creatures, helping support the delicate balance of nature.
A Simple Act of Joy
A snowdrop woodland infuses a timeless, elegant character to your property. It becomes a living masterpiece, a tranquil haven to escape the stresses of daily life and somewhere to reconnect with the natural world after spending months indoors. Planting snowdrops is a simple and rewarding endeavour and relatively easy to establish if you have patience and space. They thrive in most soil types and require minimal care. Choose a partially shaded spot and watch, as they transform your garden each spring. Establishing a snowdrop woodland takes time and patience. Plant en-mass in large drifts and groups for the best visual impact and allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering to replenish the bulbs for the next year. The joy of witnessing these delicate blooms emerge year after year is a gift that keeps giving.
Planting
At Bestall & Co we advise planting snowdrops ‘in the green’ or when they’re in active growth during spring. The adage ‘good things come to those who wait’ applies here and there are some things to be aware of. You may not see significant flowering in the first year, and it could take 2 to 3 years for a good display to develop. The earlier you plant in spring (while the foliage is still green but before flowering is over), the better the chances of successful establishment.
The soil should be moist and well drained, in a location that receives dappled shade during the hottest parts of the day. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see many flowers in the first year after spring planting. The bulbs are focusing their energy on root development and building up reserves for future blooms.
The common or wild snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) is widely considered best for naturalising in gardens and woodlands. It spreads readily, forming beautiful carpets. Although not a true British Native, it is thought to have colonised woodlands from the 1500s after being brought to the UK from Europe to use ornamentally and medicinally in gardens. Sadly, its status of ‘near threatened’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, means that climate change and habitat loss are pushing our beautiful wild snowdrops to the brink of decline.
Other excellent choices for naturalizing include:
* Galanthus elwesii (Giant Snowdrop): Larger flowers and later blooming.
* Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ (Double Snowdrop): Unique double flowers.
The Future is Bright
This spring, consider planting a snowdrop woodland. Bestall & Co provides a bespoke service tailored to large gardens, private estates, and private woodlands. We expertly source the very best snowdrop bulbs, which are planted en mass by our team of horticultural specialists. This service is time-sensitive and can only be implemented during February – April. Let us help you create an extraordinary legacy, a rewarding long-term investment that provides joy and ecological benefits for decades and is a testament to your appreciation for nature and commitment to a more sustainable and beautiful future.
Article by Emily Barnes, January 2025.
