Any snowdrops yet?

I agree, but they seem to do fine In The Green, IME, but I do think they would do better replanted when dormant, but they mustn't be out of the soil for long ... and ideally would have "damp" packaging too, which is probably a cigarette for suppliers.

They're all the same! Get yourself some interesting variations Mr Skinflint

I don't think they like being naturalised in lawns much. They prefer deciduous canopy cover, which allows them maximum light in winter, and cool shade in summer. Beech trees on lighter soil would be idea, but mine seem to be doing find on heavy soil - but the trees will be keeping the ground fairly dry in Summer I expect.

 

How about offering some up meany

 

I struggle with keeping snowdrops happy too,
Jenny

 

Same with me , so when I bought a 100 "in the green" planted them all over the place to see who liked what , but my friend in work who gave me a clump from Pembroke , they have done the best , out of a very old orchard so have stood the test of time in Wales.

 

Love the piccie !!

 

That was supposed to be Our Man Dee Eye's line!!

Indeed ... daren't say what some of mine cost PER BULB in case Mrs K is listening ...

Here's a short list of worthwhile ones IMHO

Galanthus Elwesii - much more strapping leaves than normal and its in flower late December or early January. Tall too (if you want to pick some for a vase) 50 for £17

Galanthus Viridapice - Green markings on the outer petals which are quite fun 10 for £20

Galanthus Atkinsii - nice heart-shaped marking on inners and long outer petals 10 for £20

Galanthus Magnet - very slender arching stem makes the flower "nod" on the end of the stem - like kids magnetic fishing toys. 5 for £20

Beyond that we are into several pounds per bulb territory ... :(

(Prices from Eurobulbs http://www.eurobulbs.co.uk/acatalog/snowdrops.html )

 

when did you say you were off on your hols Kristen?
Jenny

 

The 'soil' in the picture of the woodland is a nice mixture of scrap metal, broken pottery and leaf mould. Dig down and you come to a layer of sand which dries out like concrete (it is sand, not clay, a geologist friend examined it for me). About the only attention they get is to replant the ones dug up by the moles. Many of the bulbs are only just below the surface and some even flower not buried at all.
Try planting them only just below soil level.

 

You coming with me Our Man? I didn't know you could ski

 

I think their ideal habitat is a bank (sloping ground) under Beech trees. Beech don't like growing on heavy soil, so I take that to mean "light soil".

Are you giving them something akin to that do you think?

(They are on heavy clay here, natch )