No, not that sort of skiing, not with my arthritis and muscle problems! Spending the Kids Inheritance sort of skiing. I have had an idea to make a new path in the woodland, the other side of the ancient trees in the centre, and of course then I will need some more plants to line the new path. Not wanting to miss an opportunity, I sent for a few more snowdrops and yes, they did cost quite a bit, but more of that later.
All beautifully wrapped .
Slate markers from Sarah Raven.
They arrived the other day and I was so pleased to see how they had been packed. Up till now, most plants that have come from specialist nurseries have been wrapped in plastic bags, but there is a huge groundswell of opinion here in the UK that feels we ought to ban plastic as it is so bad for the environment. I am fully behind this as we can see how badly it affects the wildlife around the world.
It is many. many years since I have seen waxed paper used as a wrapper. We will obviously have to go back to the packaging that was used when I was a child.
All my snowdrops were wrapped in waxed paper, with newspaper inside to keep the bulbs nice and moist. The waxed paper kept everything outside completely dry, so well done to Avon Bulbs for being the first nursery I’ve dealt with, that has ditched plastic, at least in their parcels. It’s a start.
All safely planted in their temporary home.
The new work won’t be done for a while in the woodland, probably not until the autumn, so in the meantime, my new bulbs have been lined out in one of the vegetable beds which I had cleared ready for sowing beggie seeds.
I don’t think my children need to worry too much. When I have eventually gone, they can sell all my snowdrops on ebay and make themselves a fortune as they will all have multiplied 10 fold!
I love it of course!
You’ve picked out quite a few beauties, and in my opinion patience and restraint aren’t always as well rewarded as you might think in things like snowdrops (and peonies). I’m excited to see your new path develop. I think I might need a path as well, I’ve been considering it all winter!
They all have lovely inner markings Frank, except one which is all white, I hope sufficiently different from the ones that I already have. Four rhododendrons , which have never flowered , will have to come out. I already have someone who is willing to come and take them to her garden for me, so that would me lots of new planting opportunities!
Good things come in small packages. I’m looking forward to seeing you develop the new path and watching your new snowdrops proliferate.
You might have a wait Peter, I still have half the garden to tidy yet and lots of wild snowdrops to split !
The wax packaging makes good sense and your plants appear to be in great condition. Enjoy your new project.
It is a very good alternative to plastic Susie, it does a good job, so I hope more suppliers will use it. I’ll have to try it on the compost heap to see how quickly it rots down.
What an excellent investment Pauline 🙂 You have some lovely new snowdrops there. I’ve had a couple of new snowdrops from Avon this year and like you was impressed with their new wrapping material. Our nearest nursery has just introduced plastic free packaging too which is good news.
It was a lovely surprise Anna when I found their new packaging, if everyone does their bit, then the situation can only get better, although it will take more than one lifetime to sort the problem out.
Good to hear less plastic is being used, Pauline. I often wonder when all our plastic plant pots will finally be rethought too. The online nurseries I order from use straw as packaging material! It is a bit messy unpacking, but is perfect for mulching or going onto the compost heap as a dry layer. 🙂
Our local garden centre takes all our pots back Cathy, when we don’t need them, they then reuse what they can or recycle the rest to make new pots, but eventually someone must come up with a viable alternative musn’t they? Snowdrops have to be kept moist, they musn’t dry out in transit, so need to be wrapped in something.
I’m so pleased you are thinking of new projects Pauline. Good to publicise Avon for using paper packaging; we have recently bought some things from Ikea and they have replaced all the polystyrene packing with corrugated cardboard which is so much better. I look forward to seeing your special new snowdrops next year.
I’m glad I’ve got my gardening interest back Christina, I wasn’t in a happy place last year. Most of the work will probably get done in the autumn, but in the mean time I can decide which other plants to buy to keep the snowdrops company.
I feel we must applaud the companies that try to eradicate plastic, then maybe the others will join them. Well done to Ikea too.
Isn’t it wonderful to receive a parcel of plants? One of life’s little pleasures. Your snowdrop collection is going to be even better and it’s lovely to hear that suppliers start to consider alternative packaging. I so remember waxed paper as well…showing my age!
Just like Christmas Denise! As well as planting the new snowdrops, I must split a lot of my wild ones, then they can go into the centre of the new island bed which will be formed.
I’m so pleased someone else remembers waxed paper!
I was pleased to see the photo of your labels, Pauline, as I couldn’t quite make out the names on the packages or Avon labels. What an exciting purchase! I am with you on the ‘skiing’ analogy, having realised that we have saved ‘for retirement’ but weren’ t really spending, not having an expensive lifestyle or liking long or expensive holidays – so now if I want more plants or the Golfer wants new golf equipment we buy it, and enjoy them. I look forward to seeing your new plans come to fruition, albeit later in the year. Good to know someone is having your rhodendrons; always more satisfying to find a new home for plants we don’t want
A present to myself Cathy, which hopefully I will enjoy for years to come, along with my visitors. I’m looking forward to starting on my new project, but must do other more urgent work first. There will be miles of ivy to pull up, I really enjoy doing that, apart from moving the rhodos. I think any added shrubs should be deciduous then the little bulbs will benefit from any sunlight in that area. Making plans is a really enjoyable part of any new project, I can’t wait!