Hello and help, please

Discussion in 'New Members Introduction' started by Capt Slog, Nov 10, 2025.

  1. Capt Slog

    Capt Slog Apprentice Gardener

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    This is my first post. It's bit unusual.

    I'm not a gardener, but I've come here to ask a question.

    My mum is in a care home, she is is 101 and won't reach 102. In fact she's unlikely to reach the end of the week because she's very ill.

    Although she's at peace with the world, and in no pain, she is sad that she will miss spring and seeing the snowdrops again. Her favourite.

    I know snowdrops aren't supposed to be around yet (January onwards), but I've also read that there can be early varieties. In the very unlikely event of any being in flower in the uk, can you let me know please?

    I'm not going to move heaven and earth etc. but it would be a nice thing to do if I could.

    Thanks
     
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    • lizzie27

      lizzie27 Total Gardener

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      @Capt Slog, I'm very sorry to read your post, it's not going to be an easy time for you.

      I doubt whether any snowdrops will be in flower just now (but hope I'm wrong) but the motif is sometimes used in jewellry, glass ornaments or in pictures/cards etc. Would any of these do in place of real ones?
       
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      • CanadianLori

        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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        Welcome to the forum! Sounds like your Mum has been blessed with many wonderful years.

        As you can see, I can't help due to my location but there are lots here might be able to jump in and offer solutions. :)
         
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        • katecat58

          katecat58 Super Gardener

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          I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum. What a lovely idea. I'm afraid I can't help, except to suggest that you might contact the Woodland Trust and ask if they are aware of any snowdrops blooming - good luck!
           
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          • Jiffy

            Jiffy The Match is on Fire

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            What about a few videos of spring that you could play to your Mum, see if family members have any or if not there is bound to be some video online, not the same as seeing in real but may be the next best thing
             
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            • shiney

              shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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              Sorry, I can't help but how about printing a picture for her.

              Here's a couple of mine you can have
              upload_2025-11-10_21-5-10.jpeg

              upload_2025-11-10_21-7-15.jpeg
               
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              • Palustris

                Palustris Total Gardener

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                There are Snowdrops which flower from now on (mid Nov) but where you could buy them in pots is another matter.
                Try the Scottish Rock Garden Club Website for more information.
                Sadly my autumn flowering ones did not survive.
                 
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                • Capt Slog

                  Capt Slog Apprentice Gardener

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                  Hi,

                  Thank you for your thoughts and replies.

                  It's clear it's not going to be easy to find, but I thought it was worth the ask.

                  She has a glass panel in her window that looks a little like this...
                  [​IMG]

                  ...but not as accomplished. (I made it a couple of years ago, and my stained glass work is not up to this standard.)

                  I know she'd have little time for pics, however nice the thought, or the pics (thank you @shiney). She'd know I was trying to be over sentimental.


                  Anyways, thanks again.

                  Cheers

                  Slog
                   
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                  • ricky101

                    ricky101 Total Gardener

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                    Hi,

                    There a quiet a few good videos and pictures of snowdrops in bloom on the web, could you upload them to a tablet or digital photo frame and place it nearby so she can view them anytime, possibly also uploading pictures of family members like any grandchildren she would love to see ?

                     
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                    • shiney

                      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                      Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) in Cambridgeshire are specialists in snowdrops so may, possibly, have some Autumn ones. They're famous for their Winter Garden.
                       
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                      • Capt Slog

                        Capt Slog Apprentice Gardener

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                        I just wanted to give you an update.

                        Mum died on the early hours of this morning, peacefully. We weren't there but I know from visits this week that she was unlikely to know.

                        I didn't find any snowdrops, unsurprisingly. I did find a little pot of tiny daffodils, though. They were nothing to start with but made a lovely show at her bedside within a day or so in the warm. A mass of tiny blooms, a little bit of spring in November.

                        Cheers all
                         
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                        • CanadianLori

                          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                          @Capt Slog I am glad to hear that your Mum passed peacefully and also that you found some blooms to give her a bit of joy.

                          Hugs and tears for you,
                          Lori
                           
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                          • Songbird

                            Songbird Super Gardener

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                            @Capt Slog , I am sorry for your loss. Your little daffodils will have added some beauty in the room for your mum and when they appear in the Spring you will forever think of her which will be lovely.
                             
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                              Last edited: Nov 22, 2025
                            • Sheal

                              Sheal Total Gardener

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                              So sorry to hear your sad news, but glad to hear you managed a little bit of spring to brighten her last days.
                               
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                              • Palustris

                                Palustris Total Gardener

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                                Sorry for your loss. And as you say, a little bit of Spring cheer for her.
                                 
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