Snowdrop splash

GARDENERS in the far south need no reminding that the widespread forms of early-flowering Cherry are an exquisite uplift often in early February and sometimes (in mild winters), a little sooner.

Outside the hot air of urban society, rural growers have to wait a little longer for flowers on some of the best (and easiest) varieties — the pink ‘Accolade’, upright ‘Umeniko’ and the elegant and restrained ‘Korean Hill’.

Of course out in the countryside, many are still enjoying yet another flowering on the supreme specimen flowering tree for any garden, the classic Winter Cherry, Prunus subhirtella Autumnalis. Underneath its inexhaustible clouds of flowers, it is possible to lay the foundation for an even better spectacle next year.

February would be the perfect time to spread beneath its skirt, clumps of snow-white, early-flowering bulbs, which make such a valiant show around the same time. Therefore, if you want a feature to really impress the neighbours make a splash with snowdrops. Do not delay. Existing clumps can be lifted with a fork or spade and split into sub-clumps for replanting beneath cherries and other spring-flowering shrubs. The bulbs move much more happily when still in green leaf and the results are much easier to visualise.

Lifting and transplanting near to, during, or after flowering is much more successful than trying to establish a high proportion of snowdrops from bulbs bought when dry in autumn. Most good snowdrop gardens have been built up from splitting and spreading in early spring.

The old clumps flower more freely if thinned out then and new plantings can quickly be colonised, especially if you remember that small groups, regularly repeated, make a more impressive show in their early years than a single congregation all in one place. A little, repeated at intervals, goes a much longer way.

Exactly the same tactics are advisable for the lovely yellow-flowered winter aconites. These perform handsomely and make a stunning show in mild wet conditions and their ruffs of green leaves grow well above ground level following flowering. Again, simply dig up a proportion of any thick grouping, split into small portions and spread them at intervals around the garden. Like snowdrops, these are much harder to move successfully when dry in the autumn.

Sourcing early snowdrops and aconites can be a daunting task, but those eager enough should note that bulbs will be for sale at the forthcoming ‘Snowdrop Gala’ which takes place at Ballykealy Manor near Altamont Gardens Co Carlow on Saturday, Feb 2 next.

This all-day event features two presentations, one by Rod Leeds (UK) entitled “Galanthus —Some Favourites both Old and New”, and another by co-author and editor of Snowdrops, John Grimshaw, who will speak on “A Personal View”, his experience of growing a diverse collection of snowdrops over many years, and the talk will cover cultivars and cultivation techniques.

Following lunch, a visit to Altamont Gardens has been arranged and here, Paul Cutler will conduct a guided tour with suitable comment and instruction. Later, a sale of bulbs including hellebores, will begin supported by Avon Bulbs, Ashowood Nurseries, Harvington Hellebores, and specialist nursery owner Rod Leeds. Tickets for this one day event are limited and immediate booking is advisable.

Tickets, €60 are available from Hester Forde, Coosheen Garden, Glounthaune, Co Cork. T: 086-8654972 or Robert Miller (Altamont Plant Sales) 087-9822135.