Temple Nursery snowdrop, courtesy Craig Cramer
There are snowdrops, and then there are snowdrops. I, for the most part, have been content with the
Galanthus nivalis (pictured below) I was given many years ago, which have multiplied greatly from my division and their own efforts at self-propagation. Others become obsessed with differences in pedicels, spathes, and inner and outer petals. We call them
galanthophiles. Hitch Lyman, owner of the Temple Nursery, is one of the foremost galanthophiles in the United States.
These snowdrops bloomed in the Secret Garden in April 2006. Photo by Rundy Purdy
He has over 400 hundred snowdrop varieties growing in his garden, which will be open to the public this Saturday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as part of the
Garden Conservancy’s Open Day program ($5 entry fee). I plan to be there, and I hope you can join me.
Update from Garden Conservancy: Our Garden Host, Hitch Lyman in Trumansburg, NY has asked us to send a special message regarding the expected snow that may be blanketing his garden on Saturday. The garden will remain open to visitors, but if you find you cannot make it, visitors are welcome to come on Saturday, April 9 as well, during the same hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website for more details on this Open Day.
Snowdrop Resources
Magazines You Might Still Have
Martha Stewart Living February 2000
Victoria (defunct) February 2002
The Gardener (defunct) February 2002
Horticulture February 2003
Snowdrop Photo Galleries
Judy’s Snowdrops
Snowdrop Info
More About Hitch Lyman and The Temple Nursery
Ellis Hollow’s Visit for the 2008 Open Garden
NY Times Article About Hitch Lyman and his Temple Nursery
John Grimshaw, Who Wrote The Book
Snowdrops in Sun
Snowdrops For the Next Edition
Tagged as:
Hitch-Lyman,
Snowdrops,
Temple-Nursery
About the Author
Kathy Purdy is a colchicum evangelist, converting unsuspecting gardeners into colchicophiles. She gardens in rural upstate NY, which used to be USDA Hardiness Zone 4 but is now Zone 5. Kathy’s been writing since 4th grade, gardening since high school, and blogging since 2002. Find her on Instagram as kopurdy.
Now, the digging and dividing of perennials, the general autumn cleanup and the planting of spring bulbs are all an act of faith. One carries on before the altar of delayed gratification, until the ground freezes and you can’t do any more other than refill the bird feeder and gaze through the window, waiting for the snow. . . . Meanwhile, it helps to think of yourself as a pear tree or a tulip. You will blossom spectacularly in the spring, but only after the required period of chilling.
~Adrian Higgins
in
The Washington Post, November 6, 2013
Oh, if only I could, I say, as I wring my hands. To see so many snowdrops in one place, paradise!~~Dee
Getting a chuckle out of the rock garden (3 died) quote that flashed by as I scrolled down here . . . I have a few snowdrops and one is even blooming now! Your river of snowdrops is wonderful. Enjoy your time at the open garden.
Looking forward to seeing Hitch’s snowdrops, as well as seeing you.
I haven’t figured out exactly when I will show up, as I am traveling with a friend and we are making a couple of other stops. But I hope I see you there.
That is so tempting, but the 9 hour round trip just isn’t in the schedule right now – hope you might post some highlights!
I wrote this little piece mostly for the benefit of upstate NY gardeners, though I heard the last time Hitch had an Open Garden for snowdrops, someone came all the way from England to be there.
Kathy, thank you for linking to my galanthophile article. I asked my husband if he wanted to drive 4 1/2 hours to Trumansburg, NY, to look at 400 varieties of snowdrops, and he said: “Some people would think that was fun.” Wish I could be there because I am one of those people. Carolyn
Carolyn, I totally understand both your and your husband’s view! The last time Hitch had his garden open for snowdrops was 2008, and I was out of town for that one.
Oh, I love the snowdrops and have, as you do, only the one species. I am thinking of branching out. I want drifts, rivers, patches, and swathes of snowdrops. May I live so long!
It sounds wonderful! I’ve never tried to grow them~thinking it is too hot and dry but, I might have to give in a little and try a few! Any recommendations? gail
Galanthus elwesii is better for drier spots, and it is commonly available. That would be your best bet. But Carolyn of Carolyn’s Shade Garden really knows much more than I do. The galanthophile link in my post was to one of hers on snowdrops.
How wonderful that sounds, Kathy! I am happy with any type of snowdrop at all, in any number. Seeing your large patch brings a smile. Enjoy the event and thanks for the conservancy link. I will see if there is anything near me that might be open this year. 🙂
Kathy, this sounds like fun and an interesting tour. I checked out the link. Three hours drive from the Falls, really would love to come.