Image via Wikipedia
Recently I read about a perfect snowdrop that was auctioned for the grand total of £375!
I have to say that I read the article in The Independent a couple of times, to check I had not misread it!
You may be wondering why this particular snowdrop was so expensive… well this delicate beauty was perfect, in that it had 6 white, perfectly proportioned petals.
The name of this snowdrop is – ‘Galanthus Plicatus E.A Bowles’, named after an important 20th century gardner. The snowdrop was found in his garden – Myddleton House Gardens in North London.
A little information about E.A Bowles and Myddleton House Gardens:
The Gardens was created by Edward Augustus Bowles; a gardener who was described as an ‘unusual man’ by the E.A Bowles of Myddleton House Society. His work is considered to be very important in the gardening world, and made a large contribution to the RHS. The RHS have a special area in their Wisley gardens, dedicated to him. He specialised in being a garden writer, as well as being a botanist and artist, with several of his pieces of art included in the Lindley Library collection. He wrote many articles and books, including his last one that he co-wrote with Sir F Stein, published after his death in 1956, looking at varieties of snowdrops.
He was awarded the very prestigious RHS Victoria Medal of Honour for his work.
The gardens are currently being fully restored after they were neglected for more than 30 years. The gardens have won many awards.
E.A Bowles didn’t always get it right though, as he introduced the invasive Japanese Knotweed to his garden, which I am sure the current gardeners just love! They are currently using it as an example of how much damage an alien plant can do. Gardening is definitely a learning curve!
Apparently the Head Gardener of Myddleton House Gardens, is selling the last five prized bulbs at their Early Spring Show, so if you have the cash I would get there quickly!
Here are the details for their Early Spring Show:
Date: 12th February
Time: 12 – 4pm
Booking required!
Where: Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield, EN2 9HG
Tel: 08456 770 600
All the funds raised from these perfect snowdrops are going to restore the gardens.
On the same day there is a guided snowdrop and hellebore walk 1 – 3pm
I was recently asked what I wanted for my birthday next week… but I think asking for this may be pushing it a bit far don’t you! 
Would you spend £375 on a snowdrop?
Image of Myddleton House Gardens from Wikipedia taken by Christine Matthews.
Related articles
- ‘Perfect’ snowdrop sells for record £357 (independent.co.uk)
- Snowdrop bulb bought for a record £350 (telegraph.co.uk)
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, appreciate it.
Hi Anita,
Snowdrops are beautiful flowers, but I wouldn’t spend £375 on just one bulb
However, I can understand that a serious collector / enthusiast would think nothing of paying that much for something they loved.
As for Japanese Knotweed – it’s a real pest in some parts of Cornwall. My grandparents had it in their garden and it took years to get rid of it. It’s a good job Edward Bowles isn’t around to see the effects of that particular legacy!
Hi Angela,
Many thanks for your comment
Yes, real collectors would see this perfect bulb as an inexpensive necessity I expect
The Japanese Knotweed has a lot to answer for!