Every half-term for the last nine years, visitors and families have helped plant hundreds of thousands of snowdrops at the National Trust’s Wallington in Northumberland.
Last week visitors put on their gardening gloves one more time to help plant the final 100,000 snowdrops – bringing the total snowdrops planted to grand 1 million total.
Many families and groups of friends have returned year on year to participate in this event, which has become a tradition for many. The impact of planting 100,000 snowdrops each year has made for a wonderful ‘wow’ moment in the woodlands and is an uplifting sign that spring is just around the corner, often a much-needed reminder after a Northumbrian winter.
Wallington is now a destination for snowdrop spotting, with the welcome bloom now carpeting the woodlands. The display includes some special varieties, including the Northumbrian Sandersii Group, which has sulphur-yellow markings instead of green, and the pretty ‘Flore Pleno’ with double the usual number of petals.
Simon Thompson, Wallington Head Gardener, said:
“To spend the last 10 years planting snowdrops every year at Wallington has been a joy and a privilege. It’s been fascinating to slowly watch our spring landscape change and flourish year after year. It’s also fabulous to reflect on the thousands of visitors that have helped us plant this spring spectacle. It shows what we are capable of if we work together.”
As well as taking part in the planting, visitors were able to craft snowdrop crowns and join a celebratory snowdrop parade led by the Northumbrian Pipers.
Wallington’s next spring highlight is already on the way: more than 100,000 purple crocuses are beginning to open in the Walled Garden. Gardeners will be running walks and talks while the crocuses are in bloom.
Planting Snowdrops in the UK in Spring: A Comprehensive Guide
Snowdrops (Galanthus) are among the earliest flowers to bloom in the UK, often appearing as early as January. Their delicate white petals and resilience in cold weather make them a popular choice for gardens, woodlands, and borders. While snowdrops are traditionally planted in autumn, many gardeners choose to plant them “in the green” during spring for better establishment and higher success rates.
Why Plant Snowdrops in Spring?
Planting snowdrops in spring, while they are still growing and in leaf (known as “in the green”), has several advantages over planting dry bulbs in autumn:
- Higher Success Rate – Snowdrop bulbs are prone to drying out when stored, reducing their viability. Planting in the green ensures they remain hydrated and healthy.
- Faster Establishment – Since the plants are already growing, they acclimate to their new environment more quickly.
- Immediate Impact – Unlike dry bulbs, which take months to sprout, snowdrops in the green already have foliage and often flowers, providing instant visual appeal.
How to Plant Snowdrops in the Green
- Choose a Suitable Location
- Snowdrops thrive in dappled shade, making them ideal for planting under trees, along hedgerows, or in shaded garden borders.
- They prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Prepare the Soil
- Loosen the soil with a fork and remove any weeds or debris.
- Incorporate compost or well-rotted leaf mould to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Planting Process
- Dig small holes or a trench about 5–8 cm deep.
- Place the snowdrop clumps into the holes, ensuring they are planted at the same depth they were previously growing.
- Space the plants around 10 cm apart to allow for natural spread.
- Gently firm the soil around the roots and water well.
- Aftercare
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially in dry periods.
- Allow the foliage to die back naturally, as this helps store energy in the bulbs for the next season.
- Avoid cutting back or tidying up leaves too soon, as this can weaken the plants.
Naturalising Snowdrops
Once established, snowdrops will multiply naturally through bulb offsets and seed dispersal. To encourage naturalisation:
- Leave seed heads intact to allow for self-seeding.
- Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–5 years in early spring after flowering.
- Replant divided bulbs immediately to prevent drying out.
Where to Buy Snowdrops in the Green
Many UK nurseries and online retailers sell snowdrops in the green from late winter to early spring. It is best to buy from reputable suppliers to ensure healthy plants. Some well-known sources include:
- Specialist bulb nurseries
- Garden centres
- Online plant retailers
Conclusion
Planting snowdrops in the green during spring is an effective method for ensuring successful establishment and long-term growth in the UK. By selecting a suitable site, preparing the soil, and providing proper aftercare, gardeners can enjoy the delicate beauty of snowdrops year after year. Whether planted in woodland settings or garden borders, these charming flowers bring an early splash of white to the landscape and herald the arrival of spring.
