Sponsor a display of common snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Sponsoring one of Wakehurst's stunning bulb displays is a special way to celebrate the life of a loved one, remember a special anniversary or family event.
The three outer petals of the common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) are pure white and double the length of the three inner ones, so that they overlap each other to form a little cup.
Personal dedication
- All gifts are recorded on Kew's Commemorative Touchscreen Register.
- The register at Wakehurst is located in the Millennium Seed Bank.
'Galanthus' is Greek in origin and signifies milkflower and 'nivalis' is a Latin adjective, meaning relating to, or resembling, snow.
The snowdrop is an early flowering bulbous plant that prefers the moist shady setting of woodlands and boggy meadows. Extremely hardy, it originates from Europe and Asia Minor and has now naturalized in Britain.
The leaf-tips of snowdrops are hardened in order to break through the frozen ground and the solitary white bell-shaped flowers with slender leaves of bluish-green provide a welcome sight during the winter months.
Common snowdrop at Wakehurst
The common snowdrop flowers in late January, heralding the end of winter.
20,000 bulbs have been planted beneath the oaks, outside the Visitor Centre, providing the perfect welcome to the Gardens at Wakehurst.
Species information
The common snowdrop is in the family Armaryllidaceae. As well as being planted ornamentally, it has medicinal uses and snowdrop lectin can be used as an insecticide.
Species profile - find out more about the common snowdrop
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs
These bulb displays are available for sponsorship of £250 each and funds raised will be used for the planting and maintenance of the Gardens. Your dedication will be recorded on the Commemorative Touchscreen Register, located in Kew's Millennium Seed Bank and you will receive a personalised certificate detailing your chosen species.
Sponsor a display of flowering bulbs - download our commemorative giving form (pdf) or phone us on 0208 332 3200 (Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm) to make a donation by card.
Flowering bulbs available at Wakehurst
The five species available to sponsor at Wakehurst are:
1. Snakes’ head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris)
2. Crocus "Whitewell Purple" (Crocus tommasinianus)
3. Cyclamen hederifolium and Cyclamen coum
4. Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus)
5. Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis)
There are also six plant species available to sponsor at Kew Gardens.
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How you are helping
Kew is taking part in the 'Big Give Christmas Challenge'
09 Nov 2012
This year, Kew is taking part in the 'Big Give Christmas Challenge', a campaign to encourage philanthropic giving by matching a donors’ gift. Effectively your donation to the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership could be doubled! We need to raise £50,000 for next year’s seed collecting trips, as well as expanding our work on using existing collections. Please note: This campaign ran from 6 to 19 December 2012 and has now finished.
Your donations can help Kew inspire visitors through our Gardens
21 Aug 2012
A recent donation from a Kew supporter will give more of our visitors the chance to explore our beautiful Gardens.
Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership ‘top banana’ as it celebrates banking 10% of the world’s wild plant species.
15 Oct 2009
Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank Partnership is celebrating collecting, banking and conserving 10% of the world’s wild plant species by banking its 24,200th plant species.
Patrons tour of the Palm House
27 Jul 2012
A group of Kew Patrons enjoyed a revealing tour of Kew's most iconic glasshouse. Palm House Manager Wesley Shaw spoke about the history of the building, the plants in the collection and the day-to-day work of maintaining this unique part of the Gardens.
