Drops of magic are on their way as the first bulbs of the year open

SNOWDROPS are brilliant little perennial bulbs because they are one of the earliest bulbs to flower from January to March, depending on the variety.

There are 20 species of wild snowdrops and up to 2,000 cultivated varieties and non-native snowdrops have naturalised throughout Britain, first recorded in the 1700s growing in the wild.

The common snowdrop Galanthus nivalis has a solitary delicate white pendant shaped flower with green marks at its tip with narrow green-grey leaves and is honey scented. Its fragrance is best appreciated when it is planted on mass. Translated from Greek, Galanthus means milk white flower and nivalis meaning snowy or snow-covered. This wonderful plant produces its own anti-freeze helping it withstand the cold winter months. They brave the cold and emerge from the frozen ground signalling spring is not far away. They are generally single flowered but there are a range of double flowered varieties such as G.nivalis “Flore Pleno”.

Snowdrops prefer a well-drained soil, leaf mould can be added to improve growing conditions. They enjoy growing in dappled shade, so planting them under a deciduous tree or a partial shady grassed area would be prefect. There are a number of ways to grow snowdrops including from seeds, growing on bulblets taken from the mother plant and dividing/transplanting. Division is the most effective way of increasing your numbers of snowdrops and is best done just after they have flowered in their second year, this is a fantastic way of spreading them around your garden.

These little plants are so popular because they are easy to grow, offer such delicate flowers and have the ability to spread quickly to create impressive drifts. They are also suitable for growing in containers, but do best when left to spread freely. Many have fallen under their spell and, for collectors or snowdrop fancier’s, rare and unusual varieties can demand hundreds of pounds. Planting snowdrops in your garden should be seen as an investment because they only get better with time and never fail to brighten the darkest winter day.

In the next week or so visitors to Harlow Carr will be treated to a new snowdrop display from 30,000 bulbs, recently planted on either side of the Doric columns in the woodland. As this is their first growing season it will be a modest display but it will develop into a stunning one overtime.

Things to do in your garden:

1. Cutting back.

2. Top dressing bulb planters with gravel before bulbs have emerged.

3. Topping up raised beds and building or installing plant support structures.

4. Deciding what seeds to order for the year ahead.

5. Checking for tree or shrubs that may have suffered wind-rock and provide support if required.

For more information on things to do in the garden this month visit rhs.org.uk

Diary dates

February 13 to 21: Half-Term Fun – The Secret Life of Insects

Delve into the secret world of insects at RHS Garden Harlow Carr this half-term. Whatever the weather, there will be indoor craft activities and an outdoor trail to suit all ages. Activities vary daily and include: make a willow insect, become an Insect Inspector for the day, settle in for a bug-themed storytelling session, and plant seeds to encourage creepy-crawlies into your garden. There’s also a chance to have your face painted and to visit our insect laboratory – and win some special prizes, too. Normal garden admission

Friday, February 26, 10am to 12.30pm: Garden Walk – The Harlow Carr Winter Walk

Wrap up warm and enjoy a guided walk along Harlow Carr’s extended Winter Walk as low light levels and frosts highlight the natural shapes, textures and colours of the garden. Learn about the plants that can be used to create stunning seasonal colour and winter-garden inspiration, from brightly coloured barks to cornus stems and berries. RHS members £26, non-members £34. Call 020-3176-5830 to book your place.