This year, I'm not planning on adding very many new plants, so the snowdrops failure was a bit disappointing. Sort of. I mean, they're kind of cool to collect and I like having something bloom when little else is...and I really like their tough nature in such a small plant...but....
...as I walked around today looking at the ones I have blooming, I've got to say (should I say this?), it's pretty dang hard to see the differences. Well, obviously a double would be way different, I just don't have any doubles blooming right now and they've, as a group, been a bit more difficult for me.
It's very enjoyable looking at pictures that an internet friend in the UK puts up of hers (need I say she is also a daylily person...haha). With hers, I see many differences and I'm fascinated. Of course, it goes without saying, the selections over there are way way beyond anything we can find here. So, maybe that's it....I just don't have any of those cute ones...(grin)...
Perhaps one day I'll make a visit over there since the bloom season for snowdrops is so agreeably not when daylilies are blooming (or most of the garden period)...that is, when I can figure out how to bring some back...grin...legally, of course. And, when air travel is not so annoying...sigh...
Anyway, here's what I found outside....just a little while ago. We're having this marvelous weather that mimics spring. You gotta enjoy it...all the while knowing that some wicked storm is probably waiting in the wings to zap all those silly plants that dare to think it might be spring when the calendar so clearly tells us we're in winter.
And, yes, I did see that the new zone map is out. No change for me here (7A) which I have no quarrel with. In my experience, we have weather cycles of all sorts here but woe to the person who fails to plan for a very cold winter...which will happen...in some years. See all those snow posts...lol...
Okay, no more distraction...
Here's a newer one, Mrs. Thompson, from a few perspectives...
(yes, it is windy...)
Bertram Anderson
Winifred Mathais
Don's Big Seedling....
Limetree....
S. Arnott...
So, are you with me?? Do you see much difference? There's probably some height difference, blossom size and maybe even color (of leaves...e.g., greenish vs greyish) on established clumps, so we'll have to give them that...
Now, how's this for irony? I've got my precious little fancy ones, all labeled, etc.... when, what do I see?? Bear in mind that I have (before the collecting started) bought for years generic snowdrops, most of which never even bothered to emerge...there, over there, in the midst of massive weeds (yes, I'll show you...I have no pride)....look here:
Seriously?? Now, I can see a difference in this one...a totally unknown thing. Sigh. By the way, that's some massive chickweed (and oxalis). It must have roots ten feet down (ha), but I did attempt a modest cleanup....
Whew.....still needs more work, clearly. Anyway, is that Opposite Rule or what?
Gardening...it keeps you humble....
Just because they're nearby (maybe I should venture around and see if some of the others are blooming, too...)...
....off to battle chickweed....
Agreed little difference indeed. I planted some snopdrops 2 years ago, they are reducing in number each year how depressing. 2-3 should open tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteMine are reducing in number as well... too bad. But, I'm with you in noting very little difference. ;-) But I love your little "unknown" and the fact that you're able to be working outdoors already! :-) Ah, Spring. I'm content to wait a bit longer. That way I can peruse the catalogs more thoroughly! ha.
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me which snowdrops were sold out? I was just thinking of adding to my earlier Temple Nursery order, but maybe it's too late!
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ReplyDeleteThanks!