By: Blonde Two
I noticed a bit of a chill in the air yesterday. I say noticed but all of my hours of daylight were spent inside (this is most definitely a waste of good, crisp air). I still stand however, by my notion that spring is on its way and I still intend to go on a (well wrapped up) Snowdrop Hunt this weekend.
As every hunter knows (I am not sure that I have ever spoken to any actual, real-life hunters), in order to catch your prey, it is important to understand it. So I have done some research, here is what I found out:
Name: Common Snowdrop – Galanthus Nivalis (literally “growing in or under snow”).
Reproduction: (sorry to be uncouth) – bulb division.
Habitats: Broadleaf forest including Oak and Beech – (show’s good taste).
Fans: Galanthophiles (can be dangerous).
Varieties: Blewberry Tart (double), Atkinsii (interesting), Magnet (care with compass).
Cost: Most expensive bulb sold – G. Green Tear (£360 for a single bulb on ebay).
AKA: Snow Piercers – (watch this time-lapse http://ow.ly/t7JAn)
Symbol: Of hope, linked to Adam and Eve’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
On Dartmoor: Have suspect sightings at Lustleigh, Parke and Sampford Spinney.
Armed with all of this knowledge and a sister who is a bit of a plant expert, I am sure to be successful. So if you see a couple of ladies dressed in white, wearing funny green caps (for camouflage purpose), carrying butterfly nets and be-toed in white wellies, You know that you will have stumbled upon our eager Snowdrop Hunt. Join in or laugh – I won’t care!
On Exmoor there’s Snowdrop Valley, with a shuttle bus and everything!
http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm
It’s worth a visit apparently. No hunting required!
Have fun! Keep warm! Don’t forget the Rocky Road – yum! Mum xx