Snowdrop Heaven

February visits to Edulis Nursery and Thenford Arboretum

Isn’t it odd how different plants capture your heart at various points in your life. I had no particular interest in snowdrops until a couple of years ago when I went to see Paul Barney’s collection at his nursery, Edulis Plants, which by happy coincidence is only a five minute’s drive away from me. I had never quite understood the obsession with these undeniably pretty flowers that have you crouching down on all fours to fully appreciate. I couldn’t comprehend the slightly mad infatuation of snowdrop fanatics (commonly known as galanthophiles), who are happy to pay hundreds of pounds for a single rare variety. But meeting Paul and seeing his growing collection changed my mind.

'Green Day' and 'Gold Bullion' in Paul Barney's snowdrop collection

I hadn’t realized there were so many different varieties – literally thousands – each with their own distinctive markings. Some are etched with stripes or blotches of green on the outer petals while others gradually open to reveal green markings within. Some are like domed lanterns, holding themselves demurely closed and nodding downwards, while others splay open like little helicopters. Some of the most prized (and expensive) snowdrops have yellow markings – the rare ‘Golden Fleece’ sold for a whopping £1,390 when it was first introduced in 2015.  Some of the newest varieties are slightly off-white (like yellow teeth, as a friend put it) and not my cup of tea. In my book, snowdrops should be pure white and fresh green, full of the hope of spring.