Almost everyone, even non-gardeners, look forward to the first spring bulbs appearing, I know I do. My snowdrops are now almost all over for another year, but a few slow lazy ones are finally wiping the winter sleep from their eyes. These latecomers will find the spring party already in full swing.
The real aristocrats of the spring garden are the hellebores. Good groupings of hellebores in full flower are made even better by early bulbs. Snowdrops of course are the classic partners but good associations can be made with miniature narcissi, pulmonarias, and early species crocus, with the blue scillas coming just a little later.
Removing the old and weather beaten leaves from flowering hellebores (orientalis hybrids only) helps in appreciating their beauty. It also gives each clump a fresh new start to the season, removing any over-wintering fungal spores too.
Another job worth doing right now is dividing some of those congested clumps of snowdrops. If flowering is becoming a bit thin, especially noticed in larger clusters of these bulbs, do it just after flowering and they will not even notice. Replant either singly or into smaller groups, making sure the white parts of the stems are buried below soil level.
Snowdrops are best grown and appreciated on a grand scale. There are a few, but easily remembered, rules. Firstly, obtain bulbs 'in the green. They establish and start to flower far better than those poor, unspeakably dry bulbs offered at other times of the year. Next, plant where the ground is moist and stands a good chance of not drying out completely during the summer. The final passport to success with these little charmers is to give them good light. Light or dappled shade is best.
Now is also the right time to buy for next season. Plants 'in the green' or in active growth used to be hard to find, but not any more. Increasingly specialist bulb nurseries are offering them in quantity very cheaply. So plant lots and don't miss out on that magical white drift next spring.
Whilst admiring the early spring partygoers, my mind is now turning in earnest to the many spring tasks piling up. Some of these I'm glad to say have been completed, but many remain. The weather as always often dictates when, or even if, these urgent jobs get done. The rain and high winds of the last few weeks still remain a disruptive feature to any gardening activity here. Hopefully, a more settled spell of weather will allow me to press on uninterrupted for a little while longer and finally make some real progress.
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