Snowdrop Study Days '07

The following study days have been arranged for 2007. Each gives participants the chance to learn more about snowdrops from acknowledged experts and to enjoy a private viewing of the Colesbourne snowdrop collection in the company of a few other enthusiasts. Places are limited, so prompt booking is advised.

SNOWDROPS IN GARDENS

 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 22 2007

Colesbourne Park is renowned as the home of one of the finest collections of snowdrops open to the public, built up by members of the Elwes family since 1874, when Henry John Elwes discovered Galanthus elwesii in Turkey. Our Snowdrop Study Day, led by Dr John Grimshaw, co-author of the monograph Snowdrops, will give an exclusive chance to study the Colesbourne collection and learn more about the fascinating genus Galanthus, and provide a congenial environment to talk about snowdrops with the experts. Rare snowdrops from the Colesbourne collection will be available for sale.                                                PROGRAMME 

10-10.15 a.m.  Arrive.  Coffee and biscuits will be served 

10.30      Welcome by John Grimshaw 

10.40    Talk, Gert-Jan van der Kolk:  Snowdrops on the continent

Gert-Jan van der Kolk is a Dutch galanthophile and noted plantsman, until recently head gardener at Waltham Place in Berkshire. In his talk he will focus on snowdrop discoveries and developments in Europe. 

11.30      Tour of the garden to view the Snowdrop collection

 1.00     Lunch break

 2.00     Talk, Rod Leeds: East Anglian Snowdrops

Rod Leeds is a well-known grower of a wide range of bulbous plants, and has written several books about them. He has a particular interest in snowdrops and in this talk will tell us about those originating in East Anglia and how he grows them in his Suffolk garden.

 3.00     Tea and biscuits, plants for sale 

3.30     Disperse

SNOWDROPS IN TURKEY AND THE CAUCASUS

 THURSDAY FEBRUARY 15 2007

 PROGRAMME

 10-10.15 a.m.  Arrive.  Coffee and biscuits will be served

 10.30      Welcome by John Grimshaw

 10.40    Talk, Chris Brickell:  Snowdrops in the Caucasus

Chris Brickell, former Director-General of the RHS, and great galanthophile, will discuss snowdrops in the wilds of the Caucasus, and consider the taxonomic problems associated with the supervolute group.

 11.30      Tour of the garden to view the Snowdrop collection

 1.00     Lunch break

 2.00     Talk, Jörg Lebsa: Snowdrops in Turkey

Jörg is a German galanthophile living in Dresden. He has travelled very extensively in Turkey in search of snowdrops. His talk will discuss the species and forms he has found.

3.00     Tea and biscuits, plants for sale

 3.30     Disperse

 Numbers are strictly limited to 30. Cost £35 per person.

 Further information from: Dr John Grimshaw, Gardens Manager, Colesbourne Park, nr Cheltenham, Glos. GL53 9NP Tel 01242 870567   E-mail: info@colesbournegardens.org.uk   www.snowdrop.org.uk