Galanthophile season!

Sunny bright day.  These snowdrops were growing under the hedge in the lane.  It is lovely watching them spread each year.

Oliver Wyatt, a keen collector of snowdrop bulbs, was once addressed as Mr Galanthophil by the plantsman Mr Bowles. It was at the end of the 19C that a nurseryman, James Allen, from Shepton Mallet, Somerset, started growing snowdrops from seed and crossing different species.  At this time of year many stately homes and gardens in the area open to show off their expanses of "snow" covered lawns and more and more of the plant is now seen by the roadside.  The mania for collecting is reminiscent of that of the tulip in the 16C and 17C.  A single bulb of a rare species sells for hundreds of pounds!! 

Letter and map from the District Council re our footpath diversion - we approve!