February 22nd-28th

SNOWDROPS should be divided when they begin to get congested band to flower less plentifully - this might be every three or four…

SNOWDROPS should be divided when they begin to get congested band to flower less plentifully - this might be every three or four years. Lift them after they have finished flowering but before the leaves die back - while they are still "in the green". Replant, with a handful of bonemeal or organic fertiliser mixed well into the soil, in informal groups anywhere that is not in blistering summer sun. Do not feed them manure, which is far too rich. They grow well at the bases of trees, where the activity of the tree roots keeps the soil "sweet" year round.

Robin Hall sometimes divides his snowdrops before they have flowered but this requires care and perfect timing - just before rain. He prepares the beds first "and when you see the sky getting grey, you rush out and dig them up from their old spot". The rain settles them in to their new home and encourages them to flower.

If you must cut snowdrops to bring into the house, harvest them while in bud and allow them to open indoors, in water. This way, the blooms will last up to 10 days.