Gather & Grow: Galanthophilia - An Incurable Obsession

!!!URGENT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Cases of GALANTHOPHILIA are spiralling out of control! In Somerset alone, newly reported figures are into their hundreds! Experts say that we are in the early stages of an epidemic!

What is ‘Galanthophilia’?:

• Galanthophilia is a very common SAO (Seasonal Affected Obsession)
• It coincides with snowdrops poking their green noses above the surface of the winter soil
• It strikes the population indiscriminately, regardless of age, demographic, or geographical location
• Once galanthophilia is contracted the afflicted talk in taxonomic terms, curious and baffling names (e.g. “My ‘Blewbury Tart’ is showing off her petticoats to ‘Diggory’, whose seersucker perianths have got right up ‘Grumpy’s’ nose and now he’s kicking off at ‘Trumps’!”… and so on), and fabled sightings of ground-breaking new hybrids

What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones?:

• NOTHING! There is no prophylactic measure against contracting this seasonal obsession, and no cure once you’ve caught it.

What advice is there for the public?:

• Succumb to the inevitable – go outdoors, breathe in the heady scent of the snowdrop nectar, and give-in to a lifetime of snowdrop love.

Are there any resources to help me navigate this affliction?:

• YES THERE ARE! HELP IS AT HAND! Attend Gather & Grow: Galanthophilia – An Incurable Obsession – a talk by Arthur Cole, 5:30pm Thu 29th January 2026
• Arthur pulls back the perianth segments and shines a light on this evocative, enigmatic late winter flower beloved by all, obsessed over by many. The talk shall cover:
  o an overview of the plant and its lifecycle and origins
  o folklore & symbolism
  o how to identify different species
  o distinctive cultivars
  o horticultural requirements
  o companion planting
  o the king’s ransoms that are paid each year for single bulbs and the nefarious lengths black marketeers will go to in order to secure the rarest and most highly desired varieties.
• At the end of the talk there shall be a snowdrop surgery (a sort of ‘Antiques Roadshow’ for snowdrops) please feel free to bring in any snowdrops that you wish to be identified (remember to bring the leaves as well as the flower), there may well be gold in your patch.

DOORS OPEN FROM 5pm

Includes drinks and nibbles!

WHAT? Gather & Grow: Galanthophilia – An Incurable Obsession – a talk by Arthur Cole
WHEN? Thursday 29th January, Arrive from – 5:00pm, Start – 5:30pm, Finish – 6:15pm
WHERE? Story of Gardening
PRICE? Newt Members £5, Non-Members £7
EXTRAS? Tasty treats, bar
HOW DO I BOOK?

Buy Members Ticket
Buy Non-Members Ticket