Although this winter has been wet, our snowdrops have not minded in the least – in fact they are exceptional this year. They have sprung up regardless of the weather with a freedom and abundance and I can’t tell you how much joy they are bringing us.
I am a galanthophile – a complete snowdrop fanatic. I was enchanted by them when I planted our first snowdrops on the banks of our bog garden over twenty years ago where they have been gradually spreading every since.
Twenty seven years ago, when I first arrived here, Hew and I planted some trees, each the size of a broomstick in an area on the outer side of the moat, that was nothing but rough grass, brambles and nettles. Over a quarter of a century later these spindly little trees have become a woodland. Over the last couple of years or so, I have planted over 3000 snowdrops there and I will keep adding and dividing until they form a great white carpet. What a wonderful thing to say – that I am planting snowdrops in the woodland that I planted when I was 16.
I have been out today to that very woodland and picked a tiny bunch of snowdrops and put them in a vase on the kitchen table. Their strong honey scent being drawn out by the heat of the room.
I feel very proud. Not only to have planted our very own woodland, but to know the snowdrops I am planting there will go on reliably reappearing year after year for generations.
Kate Elliott came to Columbine Hall in 1997 when she was sixteen. She is now head gardener but also helps with managing the property generally and in conducting guided tours.