Artist John Morley's Encounter with a Transformative Snowdrop Painter
In the heart of north Suffolk, John Morley's specialist snowdrop nursery, North Green Snowdrops, has been a beacon for galanthophiles (people who cultivate and study snowdrops) for decades. Known for his significant contributions to snowdrop cultivation, Morley's nursery has been a hub for discovering, propagating, and nurturing unique snowdrop varieties.
Morley, a noted galanthophile and the owner of North Green Snowdrops, has made several important discoveries, including the rare and sought-after 'Trumps' snowdrop. This variety, with its heart-shaped markings on the inner and outer segments, grows to about 6in tall and boasts broad, grey-green foliage. 'Trumps' is vigorous and increases well, making it a favourite among collectors.
The nursery's catalogue, a collector's item in its own right, has evolved over the years. The first catalogue in 1984 listed 22 different snowdrops, priced between £2.50 and £5 per bulb. Over time, the catalogues included glossy photos and increasingly exciting rarities, showcasing Morley's dedication to the pursuit of unique snowdrop varieties.
One such rarity is the 'Juliet Berkeley' snowdrop, known for its inner segment washed in soft green with a prominent dark, rich-green mark. Another is the 'Hoggets Narrow' snowdrop, which features exceptionally long outers and a broad inverted V on the inners. 'Hoggets Narrow' also has a unique characteristic: once mature, its anthers shine through the petals, giving a warm orange glow just below the ovary.
One of the scarcest and most coveted cultivars is 'The Groom', priced at £250 per bulb. Another rare find is 'Rodmarton Regulus', a large-flowered snowdrop discovered at Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire. Its outer segments are long and boat-shaped, while the inners have a broad, X-shaped marking.
'Gold Dust' snowdrop, with its extremely long flower and a bright-gold bridge mark at the apex of the inner segment, is another intriguing variety. The 'Hoggets Narrow' snowdrop from the Hiemalis Group is an autumn-flowering snowdrop, adding to the diversity of Morley's collection.
Interestingly, 'Juliet Berkeley' snowdrop originated from Ellen Willmott's garden at Warley Place, Essex. Morley's garden itself contains many snowdrop varieties that he discovered himself, making it a veritable treasure trove for galanthophiles.
John Morley, a serious galanthophile, is closing his business, marking the end of the oldest snowdrop nursery in the country. However, his paintings, often exhibited at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition, and his contributions to the world of snowdrop cultivation will continue to be celebrated.
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John Morley's gardening venture, North Green Snowdrops, encompasses not only an extensive range of unique snowdrop cultivars but also delves into the realm of home-and-garden lifestyle, with its catalogue beautifully showcasing the diversity of his collection. As a lifelong galanthophile, Morley's passion transcends merely cultivating and studying snowdrops, it is a deeply personal manifestation of his lifestyle.
The 'Trumps' snowdrop, a rare and distinctive variety discovered by John Morley, adds a dash of 'home-and-garden' appeal to any flower enthusiast's collection, making it a coveted addition to the home-and-garden lifestyle.
