World renowned snowdrop collection bursts into life
Excited snowdrop enthusiasts are travelling across the UK to an exquisite corner of Devon to see one of the best collections of snowdrops in the world burst into fragrance and colour.
The world renowned Matt Bishop Snowdrop Collection, one of the most diverse collections of named and naturalised snowdrops in the UK, is in full bloom at The Garden House, one of the finest gardens in England.
Over 83 varieties of snowdrops, 57 of which are now in flower, create a stunning display across the plantsman’s paradise in Dartmoor. Planted in huge swathes across the garden’s stunning ten acres, snowdrops are scattered across banks and in borders, in plain sight but also tucked away in secret corners.
The snowdrops which bloom from early October through to April, are carefully labelled, tucked into herbaceous borders and naturalised with early flowering bulbs.
The vast collection was established by Galanthus (snowdrop) expert Matt Bishop, former head gardener at The Garden House, to include many unusual varieties. Matt is the principal author of the galanthophile bible, Snowdrops: a Monograph of Cultivated Galanthus (Griffin Press, 2002) and now has his own worldwide snowdrop business.
The stunning Garden House display has become a must-see on the Galanthophiles (snowdrop lover) calendar. Typically Galanthophiles will travel long distances to see very unusual blooms, with some paying thousands of pounds to buy the least common varieties.
The Garden House team now hope the snowdrop collection will become a nationally recognised collection, though many varieties remain yet to be formally identified.
“The snowdrop collection is not only extraordinarily pretty,” said The Garden House General Manager, Donna Wadham. “It’s a unique chance to see some of the most unusual varieties of snowdrop in an exceptionally beautiful setting. It’s loved by experts and garden lovers alike and, along with our amazing bulb sale, is a not to be missed moment in the Garden House calendar.”
The Garden House’s is also delighted to be hosting its not to be missed snowdrop bulb sale by Chelsea Flower Show Gold medallists, Avon Bulbs taking place on Feb 2nd, 11-3pm, normal garden admission applies. One of only a handful of sales by Avon Bulbs, The Garden House bulb sale will be their furthest West this year.
“We’re expecting lots of interest,” says Donna. “We’d recommend people arrive early to avoid the queues and get the best bulbs.”
