Artist John Morley's Encounter with the Groundbreaking Snowdrop Painter
In 1984, John Morley, a renowned plantsman and artist, opened his snowdrop nursery with a modest catalogue listing 22 different snowdrop varieties, priced between £2.50 and £5 per bulb. Little did the world know that this humble beginning would blossom into a legacy of rare and beautiful snowdrops.
Morley's snowdrops began to interbreed, producing interesting crosses that captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike. Over the years, his kitchen-table business grew, thanks to encouragement from Tate's deputy collector and advice from many snowdrop experts. His later catalogues included glossy photos and increasingly exciting rarities.
One of Morley's most notable discoveries was Galanthus 'Gold Dust', a snowdrop variety with an extremely long flower and a bright-gold bridge mark at the apex of the inner segment. The snowdrop is fragrant and elegant, embodying Morley's passion for botanical beauty.
Another unique find was Galanthus 'Juliet Berkeley', which originates from Ellen Willmott's garden at Warley Place, Essex. This snowdrop features a soft green inner segment and a prominent dark, rich-green mark. It was rescued by Willmott's great niece and is now part of Morley's collection.
Galanthus 'Rodmarton Regulus', a very handsome, large-flowered snowdrop found at Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire, is another example of Morley's knack for discovering rare and beautiful snowdrops. The outer segments are long and boat-shaped, and the inners have a broad, X-shaped marking.
One of the most valuable snowdrops in Morley's collection is 'Blue Moon', which sells for £120 per bulb. This high price reflects the rarity and beauty of this snowdrop variety.
Morley's snowdrop nursery, the oldest in the country, is now closing down, marking the end of an era in snowdrop gardening. However, his legacy will live on through the many rare and beautiful snowdrops he has cultivated and shared with the world.
For those interested in acquiring these rare snowdrops, the 2024 North Green Snowdrops catalogue is a collector's item. To request a catalogue, visit www.northgreensnowdrops.co.uk. For those who wish to explore Morley's artistic side, the exhibition 'John Morley: Artist Gardener' is at the Garden Museum, London W1, from March 19-April 20. You can find more information at www.gardenmuseum.org.uk.
[1] Tony Venison, former Gardens Editor of Country Life, played a significant role in Morley's snowdrop cultivation. [2] Morley's significance in the world of snowdrop gardening and art is linked to his dual expertise: he cultivates plants and also expresses botanical subjects artistically.
- John Morley's snowdrop nursery, marked by his unique discoveries like 'Gold Dust', 'Juliet Berkeley', 'Rodmarton Regulus', and 'Blue Moon', offers a captivating blend of home-and-garden and gardening, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike.
- His legacy in the lifestyle domain stretches beyond horticulture, garnering recognition for his artistic expression of botanical beauty, a unique fusion showcased in the exhibition 'John Morley: Artist Gardener' at the Garden Museum in London.
